National League 2 North latest results
Ampthill & District 53-7 Harrogate
Birmingham & Solhill 20-29 Hull Ionians
Broadstreet 33-10 Stourbridge
Hull 44-15 Caldy
Otley 47-7 Huddersfield
Preston Grasshoppers 45-14 Leicester Lions
Sedgley Park 13-23 Chester
Stockport 11-34 Luctonians
The Sedgley website describes a "master class tactical performance from Chester's DoR Nic Corrigan outwits luckless Tigers who had to hang on in what could have been a rout in the final quarter".
Sedgley started brightly with a smart move from the set piece and a tight finish by try machine Ryan Parkinson. That start was quickly overtaken by a series of powerful Chester set pieces; the much publicised Chester front row causing havoc.
Chester seemed aware of every key ball carrier in the Sedgley line up and although Matt Riley punched holes in the Chester defence, Sedgley couldn't get any go forward.
On the 25-minute mark, the Sedgley coaches brought on loosehead Ashcroft, in an attempt to gain back control in the scrum. The move worked and the high profile Sale Sharks and England U20s prop Parker was given a master class in the dark arts. Just before half-time, Sedgley needed to make another front row change with Hymes looking to have a serious shoulder injury. Ben Black making an instant impact with his strong ball carrying.
A small lead for the Tigers at HT but a Chester team that was brimming in confidence.
The Tigers have numerous ball carriers who have created havoc this season, they include Juan Crous, Ryan Parkinson, Matt Lamprey, Matt Riley, Ben Black and George Hymes. Chester clearly knew this and made sure there was no space and that every break down keenly fought.
As the second half started it was the Tigers that seized the initiative with a smartly taken try by Callum McShane. That was, in truth, the last serious attack by Sedgley and it was all Chester for the last 30 minutes.
The Chester fly half, Goodwin, was dictating the play and with two centres, Preston and Foden, able to run an arc the Sedgley back line lost all shape. Chester were forcing the Tigers to over commit at the breakdown which in turn narrowed their defence. Fly half Goodwin was picking the overlap each time.
Chester looked fresh and composed. They were intelligent, they kept the ball live; never allowing the Tigers a rest. The attacks came wave after wave. Chester's next score was very fortuitous and even their players looked embarrassed! The referee and his assistants missed a knock on - their assessors won't have been impressed.
Despite how it happened, it was the intensity of the Chester centres that deserved it.
The next try was majestic and it was Chester's Goodwin again. Great game management followed by immaculate individual skill to put the try under the posts.
The Tigers play an expansive game which is good to watch however Chester were equal to it, intelligent and intense. They played like winners and despite heroic defending Chester scored again. A clever chip, chased down by Ford for the try.
For Chester, their key players were Woods, Foden and Goodwin. For Sedgley, the overall work rate of Andy Riley shone out.
