Chester RUFC produced a dominant second-half performance to put last week’s disappointment behind them with a deserved 34-5 win at Luctonians in National League Two North.
Although the struggling hosts opened up an early lead, the Hare Lane men soon asserted themselves in Herefordshire and hit back with 34 unanswered points to run out comfortable winners.
Head coach Jon Aby, who was unhappy with his side’s showing in a 7-5 loss to Otley a week previous, was in better spirits after seeing them return to winning ways.
He said: “We continued last week’s defensive performance but this week added attacking, we controlled the ball, team and pace throughout the match. We played well as a team.”
Luctonians, who have won just once this season, took the lead after 12 minutes when Jimmy Norris touched down for an unconverted try to put the hosts into a 5-0 lead.
However, the visitors soon asserted themselves and two penalties from the boot of Callum Bennett, taking on the kicking duties in the absence of Rhys Hayes, nudged them ahead.
Tom Foden then touched down with 20 minutes on the clock and Bennett added the extras to give Chester a 13-5 advantage at the turnaround, although Bennett missed three chances to increase the lead with penalties.
The second-half was just three minutes old when John Ketland crossed for a converted score and then James Preston went over on 55 minutes to leave the hosts with a lot of work to do.
Aby’s side wrapped up a bonus point when Kyle Joseph claimed their fourth try with 10 minutes remaining.
Chester are back in action at Hare Lane on Saturday when Wakefield-based Sandal, who are fourth in the table with five wins so far, are the visitors (3pm).
Christleton tasted defeat for the first time this season, going down 41-30 at Caldy 3rds in Division Two South but the Swans remained well placed in third.
Helsby recorded another big win in Division Five South, racking up the points in a 94-0 success at Whitchurch 4ths to keep up the pressure on leaders Winnington Park 3rds.
Three Chester youngsters have been picked to represent the Cheshire under-16s squad this season. Owen Roberts, Dominic Duggan and Harry Wilkinson helped the county to a 41-13 win over Staffordshire and have two more games to come against Lancashire and Yorkshire.
