NATIONAL Three North leaders Chester were too strong for Birkenhead Park in at the Upper Park on Saturday.

Park had no answer to the Chester backs, who built up a 38-7 half-time lead.

The signs were ominous for Park when Chester scored in the opening minute through centre Huw Grundy but Park struck back immediately with a try from Number 8 Dave Ibbotson after good work by scrum-half Sam Chidley and Danny Rich converted from the touchline.

This proved something of a false dawn for Park as Chester took control with Lloyd Hayes particularly impressive in the centre. Sean Green and Hayes both crossed twice and then Tom Foden scored again before half-time.

The second half was a much closer affair with Chester scoring at the start of the half and again at the end, the final conversion bringing up the half century. The contrasting fortunes of the two sides see Chester heading for promotion while Park face a huge task to stave off relegation and preserve their record as the longest serving side in the division.

Park director of rugby John McNally said: “The Chester backs looked to be a class act in the first half but we defended better after the break.

“Unfortunately we have lost some of the momentum we gained before Christmas but we will be working even harder to mprove things. We are certainly under no illusions about the size of the task we face and we can’t afford to slip any further away from the sides above us.”

PARK face another tough assignment this Saturday as they travel to Newcastle to take on Percy Park.

THERE was better news for the Park Wanderers who drew 22-22 at Altrincham Kersal in the Bateman BMW Premiership. Shaun Ingram (2), Gareth Jones and Jon Feldman scored the tries with Tom Walls adding a conversion.