CHESTER Gladiators beat Wigan Riversiders 30-22 in a thrilling encounter at Hare Lane on Saturday.

Having already secured second spot in the Merit League, the Gladiators were eager to ensure they headed into their first ever appearance in the play-offs with victory in their final game of the regular season. They did that, but they were pushed all the way by the tenacious visitors.

The opening exchanges saw some strong running and some equally strong defence from both teams, but it was the hosts who struck first when stand-in fullback Harry Broadbent collected a short pass and broke through the defensive line to score his first try of the campaign.

Following good work from stand-off Sam Broadbent, forward Dave Doneo extended the advantage before Wigan hit back to lead at the break. Chester overturned their two-point deficit in the second half to preserve their unbeaten record, though, with touchdowns from Benji Marsh, Broadbent and the league’s player of the month and man-of-the-match Rob Massam (2).

Sam Broadbent added three conversions for the Gladiators, who will discover this weekend who they will face in the play-offs on August 7 or 8.

Chester Gladiators Under 12s beat rivals Cheshire Cats U12s 24-22 on Saturday. Jack Barber starred.