CHESTER head into their second pre-season encounter of the summer tomorrow, safe in the knowledge it will not be as difficult as their first.
Steve Dorrington's men were soundly beaten 66-5 by Welsh Principality Premiership side Pontypridd last Saturday, with wing Ian Brooks registering their only try.
Chester will expect to see more of the ball tomorrow when Preston Grasshoppers visit Hare Lane, although the National League Division Three North outfit are sure to be no mugs.
Steve Bellis returns to skipper the side but director of rugby Dorrington will again be without several first-teamers due to injury and his biggest handicap of the summer - holiday commitments.
Pontypridd's side on Saturday contained former Wales and Barbarians flanker Dale McIntosh and the visitors did not take long to stamp their class on proceedings, Gavin Dacey registering the first try after only two minutes.
Despite the one-sided nature of the defeat, Dorrington learned a lot.
He said: 'To be fair we were about six or seven lads down because of injury and unavailability, particularly in the centre. We were ripped to pieces there but we were having to play players out of position. They had a lot of pace and a lot of width.
'But the lads did well. We had the measure of them in the scrum and had them marching back quite quickly. We competed well in the ruck and recycled very well, turning them over on a number of occasions. They didn't get things all their own way. In fact, in the last 20 minutes we were well on top.
'It was an excellent way to start the season and the players can now see what they need to achieve.' nSale Sharks are coming to Chester to stage a three-day rugby camp for young players.
The sessions will be staged by the Zurich Premiership club at Chester's Hare Lane from Tuesday, August 23-Thursday, August 25. Coaching will be delivered by RFU community rugby coaches working with the Sharks.
For further information, contact Sale Sharks Rugby Camps on 08712 220120 or visit www.salesharks.com
