CHESTER produced a dazzling display under their new floodlights to march into the semi-finals of the Thwaites Cheshire Cup on Wednesday, writes Paul Hassall.

The hosts took on National League Three North side New Brighton, and more than bridged the gap in standard by romping to a 42-5 victory.

Chairman Joe Youdan was delighted and said: 'It was a fantastic result and we dominated the entire game. The scrums were fairly even, but in open play the forwards and the backs were vastly superior and we outplayed a side that are a division above us.'

The hosts stormed into an early lead with Paul Brett converting Ian Brooks' try.

New Brighton were having trouble with their handling and a rampant Chester took advantage as Nathan Sandlin-Jones touched down to give them a clear half-time lead.

The second half provided no respite for the visitors as Jimmy Lyle broke the New Brighton defence to score, before a brace of tries from Brett put Chester firmly in control.

Brooks ran through to touch down in the corner to claim his second try of the evening, before New Brighton finally had something to cheer with a well worked try.

But the final word of the night was Chester's as Mike Gallimore crossed to cap a fine all-round team performance with his side's seventh try.

Chester were able to install their new floodlights as they are one of the first rugby clubs in the country to receive an award from the Rugby Football Union's community club development programme.

It is part of an collaboration between the government's department for culture, media and sport, Sport England and 16 national governing bodies of sport.

Chester were edged out 19-17 by visitors Middlesbrough in North One on Saturday. Steve Dorrington's men aim to get their first league win of the season at West Park tomorrow.