Chester promotion on track

Mar 10 2008 by Andrew Stratton, Liverpool Daily Post

CHESTER took another step towards the North Two West title with this 16th victory of the season at the expense of Cheshire rivals New Brighton.

New Brighton found themselves with all sorts of problems ahead of the derby. It meant a surprise return at stand-off for Ian Kennedy while normal forwards Loa Topou and Josh Bates figured in the back division.

They were still in contention at half-time after enjoying wind advantage.

Chester secured three tries, one through Richard Moore from a forward push over and the others via Simon Abiero following excellent moves.

Stephen Dean, who switched to full-back position, hit a penalty for the Blues and added the goal when Kati Tuipulotu broke from a drive to touch down in added first-half time.

At 15-10 Chester still had work to do and were quick top respond with Simon Verbickas setting up Gareth Martin for a 42nd-minute try goaled by Tom Foden.

There was renewed hope for Brighton when dogged forward work brought a second touch down for Tuipulotu, but Chester replied with a Foden penalty and then Verbickas, who continued to find holes in the home defence, had a hand in further Chester tries through John Piggott and Tom Weightman, the first converted by Foden.

The Blues refused to lie down and managed another try from forward pressure, but a sixth defeat virtually ended their remote play-off hopes, even though second placed Stockport also lost.

Chester now lead by four points with three games left.

Leigh meanwhile gained an excellent 25-12 success at Leigh in the same division.