SAM Donovan returns for Chester at Hare Lane tomorrow as they seek to exact revenge for their opening-day defeat by Kendal.

Donovan is expected to replace Ian Brooks as head coach Matt Farr has a fully fit side to choose from.

The clean bill of health is good news for Chester, who are fighting relegation from North One.

Kendal defeated Chester 24-7 back in September and Farr admitted: 'We were quite sluggish at the start of the season, but now we are expecting to turn up and give Kendal a game. We believe we can beat them.

'They will try to dominate the game with their forwards, who are big and strong but not very mobile, while we will try to play our natural game util-ising our backs and pulling their pack all over the pitch.

'Kendal's style is sometimes almost like 10-man rugby because their pack is slow and we have to take advantage of that.

'We need to improve our league position so we have to win as many of our remaining games as we can.'

Chester have only three North One games remaining. After hosting Kendal tomorrow, they visit Hull on March 31 and host Huddersfield on April 14.

* The rebuilding work for next season at Christleton looks promising as they posted a 26-20 triumph in a friendly against Ellesmere Port.

Captain Chris Lightfoot showed the way by pouncing on a loose ball after charging down a kick to score under the posts.

Port replied with a penalty before the half was cut short due to a neck injury to Port's scr um-half.

After the restart, Christleton carried on the good work with Karl Jones displaying confidence carrying the ball and off-loading some slick passes, one of which sent Carl Noble over in the corner.

Craig Young showed his strength by brushing off tackles while running from inside his own half to add to the try tally. Three tries did get Port back into the game, but Dom Adams' chip and chase try put the hosts back on top. Dave Taylor kicked three out of four conversions in windy conditions. Man of the match was Lee Robinson.

Christleton play host to a New Brighton XV tomorrow, kick-off 2.30pm.