Driving rain and strong winds failed to derail a battling Chester from securing a hard fought victory.

The home side returned to winning ways on Saturday after suffering two straight defeats and secured the points after managing the adverse conditions better than seventh-placed Leicester side.

Nic Corrigan’s side were slow out of the blocks with the Lions pack dominating the early scrums with right wing Luke Veebel going over for a try to give the visitors an early lead.

Chester struggled to break down a tough Lions rearguard during the first period but saw their perseverance pay off on the hour mark when a period of sustained pressure saw the Chester pack drive over the line for an unconverted try.

The home side, coping better with the slippery ball and harsh conditions, took the lead on 69 minutes when outside centre Tom Foden received the ball wide, stretching the Lions defence before crossing the line to give Chester a 12-7 lead.

Head coach Corrigan’s charges held on to their lead, sensibly using their possession in the late stages to frustrate their opponents and claim the spoils.

“It was great to get the victory, although it wasn’t pretty, as it showed that we have learned from our defeat to the Lions earlier in the season,” said Corrigan.

“We went away there earlier in the season and lost, so it was important for us to get that out of our system and get back to winning ways.

“The conditions didn’t make for a great spectacle but the lads battled well and showed good character to recover from going behind.”

Corrigan’s fifth-placed side now face a daunting trip to the West Midlands to face National League 2 North second-placed outfit Stourbridge, something which Corrigan believes will provide a gauge of how far his young side have come.

“They are a great side and nobody really expects us to get too much from the game,” said Corrigan.

“It will be a chance for the lads to test themselves, without any pressure, against a real division one side and will show us just how far that we are progressing as a club.”

Chester 2nds travelled to Vale of Lune in the BMW Bateman Premier League and picked up an impressive 43-0 win.

Christleton did not have a fixture in Division Three South and Helsby were without a game in South Lancs and Cheshire Division Three.