CHESTER could not make up for a poor start as they fell to a 32-21 North One defeat at leaders Bradford and Bingley.

The combined side swept to a 22-point lead but then Chester gained three tries via Matt Bellamy, Ben Foden and Jim Lyle. Tom Foden added three conversions.

Birkenhead Park produced a poor show at Aspatria and conceded six tries in a 40-0 defeat.

Caldy suffered only their second reverse in North Two West 22-11 at home to Altrincham Kersal. Matt Pennington scored a try and Marcus Coast a brace of penalties.

There was also no joy for Aspull in a 27-0 home defeat to Winnington Park.

Southport edged out Wirral 18-17 in South Lancashire/Cheshire One League.

Leigh got home 14-12 against Vagabonds in the Isle of Man, Warrington beat Northwich 13-0 and Wigan accounted for Birchfield 17-14.

Hoylake stayed clear at the top of Division Two with an 18-10 victory at Ashton on Mersey.

Oldershaw beat Orrell Anvils 17-10 while St Edwards fell 19-17 against Sandbach.

Ellesmere Port lost 22-8 score at Dukinfield while Ormskirk lost 37-14 at home to Ruskin Park.

Collegiate beat Prenton 22-8 and other scores included Congleton 17 Runcorn 10; and Halton 49 Douglas 19.

Wallasey failed 29-20 at Newton-le-Willows while Port Sunlight beat Linley and Kidsgrove 18-15 in Division Four.

Parkonians whipped Holmes Chapel 44-10, Mossley Hill won 36-12 at Capenhurst but St Mary's lost 29-0 at Sale Amateurs.