Rugby union: Penrith 6 Chester 41

Penrith 6 Chester 41

CHESTER moved back into pole position on a dramatic afternoon in the race for the National League Three North championship.

The Hare Lane outfit’s bonus-point win in Cumbria combined with Harrogate’s defeat at home to Sandal meant they returned to top spot going into this weekend’s final round of matches.

Chester head coach Corrigan was pleased with how ‘ruthless’ his side were on Saturday and their ‘domination’ of the scrum and line-out.

But the tough taskmaster felt they were not ‘clinical’ in other aspects of their performance.

The main thing, however, was they got the victory.

With a strong wind at their backs, Penrith slotted over a penalty to forge an early advantage.

But it was Chester who led 15-3 at half-time thanks to tries from Mike Craven and Pete Rees.

The hosts – safe from relegation and playing for nothing but pride – reduced the deficit by three points immediately after the restart with their second penalty of the game.

The visitors – knowing that anything less than success would effectively end their title chances – were beginning to feel the pressure as passes went astray and knock-ons conceded.

But there was only ever going to be one winner after Pat Coy – at the end of a fast-flowing backs move – and captain Andy Moore – following pressure at a scrum on the Penrith line – touched down.

With the crucial bonus point secured, Chester began to relax and tries number five and six arrived in the final 10 minutes courtesy of Liam Gill and Rees.

Helsby lost 56-6 at home to Port Sunlight on Saturday.

But Christleton kept their championship hopes alive by winning 74-12 at Bowdon 3rds.

Rugby union: Penrith 6 Chester 41