Chester 2nds 18 Stockport 2nds 5

MANAGER Richie Minshull was pull of praise for his Chester players after they saw off Stockport at Hare Lane.

Saturday’s Bateman Premier League clash saw the hosts produce a performance full of intensity.

Minshull said: “All credit must go to the guys. We gave them the game plan and it was to blitz everything that moved, which they did.”

Fullback Lloyd Griffiths kicked Chester into a well deserved 6-0 lead with two penalties.

Marcus Lyons then went on the attack and his good work ended with Tom Evans evading a number of tacklers to finish superbly in the corner.

After the break, James Thomas – supported by prop Nathan Sandland-Jones – finished off under the posts and Griffiths converted to make it 18-0.

Stockport, who are two places above fifth-placed Chester in the table, replied with a solitary consolation try.

Chester 2nds are without a game this weekend.

Chester’s first team, who did not play last weekend, return to action this Saturday with a home match against Sandal (2.15pm).

Chester-born Ben Foden takes a break from Six Nations action this weekend.

The England fullback, who played in Saturday’s 19-15 victory over Italy in Rome, is due to return on Saturday week for a Twickenham showdown with Wales (4pm).