CHESTER, after build up games against Ruthin and Caldy, are ready for their opening match of the season against Morpeth at Hare Lane on Saturday in the preliminary round of the Powergen National Knock-out Cup.
The reward for the winners is a first round clash with New Brighton.
Chester outsmarted Ruthin four tries to one and just edged out Caldy 24-19 on Saturday when Andy Allen (2), Richard Hughes and Murray King gained touch downs and King two of the conversions.
Without several key players Chester were soon on the back foot and it was only resolute defence that kept Caldy at bay, a fine break by Jones-Evans saw Chester in the Caldy 22 but the final pass went to ground.
Chester forwards now began to pick and drive at the Caldy defence and after sustained pressure quick ball was passed out to Allen to open the account, King converted.
The second quarter began with lots of changes on both sides and Caldy were soon level when Marcus Coast went over, converted 7-7.
The Chester players began the third quarter in determined mood and a fine run by Richard Hughes saw him cross the line before quick ball to King saw him cross the whitewash for 19-7.
The fourth quarter saw the best of Caldy because they threw everything at Chester and poor tackling saw them score two unanswered tries which brought them level at 19-19, before Allen scored to the winning try, for 24-19
Winger Allen is a close season signing from Northwich and has already shown plenty of talent.
Lock forward Steve Fox has also joined from New Brighton and there are also some very promising youngsters in the fold.
Gerraint Parry stays as captain and King will continue with the coaching duties.
If Chester win on Saturday they will miss out on a North One clash with Sheffield the following week when they would meet New Brighton.
