Prenton 27 Helsby 17
HELSBY came close to causing an upset at Prenton on Saturday before running out of steam as their forwards tired.
Helsby are rock bottom of the South Lancs/Cheshire Three table but they ran their fifth-placed opponents close.
The visitors opened the scoring when Nick Royle spotted a gap and powered over the try-line, Kev Ryder converting.
Prenton hit back with a penalty before taking the lead with an unconverted try.
Excellent play by the Helsby forwards resulted in Royle going over for his second try of the game, Ryder again converting for a 14-8 lead at the break.
Helsby went further ahead at the start of the second half when Ryder slotted over a penalty.
But with their pack tiring, Prenton sensed their opportunity and broke through some weak tackling to score.
Prenton then started to use lots of rolling mauls to obtain a territorial advantage and they soon went over for another try.
Another was scored out wide to put the hosts firmly in control.
Even though they were 10 points adrift, Helsby did not give in and Mike Lawless came close to scoring in the corner.
Flanker Keele Dunbar was man of the match for Helsby, who travel to Buxton this Saturday.
Chester, who were without a fixture at the weekend, return to Division Three North action this Saturday at Penrith.
Chester 2nds, who lost 22-12 to Caldy 2nds in their last outing, host Fylde 2nds on Saturday in the Bateman Premier Division.
In the University of Salford League, Christleton chalked up a 45-0 home success over Southport 3rds last weekend. They entertain Merseyside Police this Saturday.
Former Chester Rugby Club player Ben Foden completed his Six Nations campaign with England on Saturday, playing in the 30-9 rout of Ireland. Stuart Lancaster’s men finished second in this year’s tournament, behind Grand Slam champions Wales.
