This was a very impressive all round team performance, and one which was absolutely necessary in order to overcome a very good and well drilled Fylde XV containing a number of familiar and talented players, not least of all in an exciting back division.
Our performance was particularly strong in defence with the backs, meeting the not inconsiderable challenge posed by the opposition, stepping up a level from last week`s game. Josh Longmore, Mike K and Henri Simpson, the latter with 3 crunching tackles in the first half, stood out.
With the wind at our backs and the forwards securing a steady and reasonably comfortable supply of possession, Josh was able to dictate where the game was being played with some astute kicking into the corner. 2 tries from lineout plays from the veteran Langer (to increase his tally after only 2 games to 3!) were followed by a first try of the season, following a slick handling move, for new skipper Nick Wroe and with Josh converting all 3 we established a 21 point lead by the mid point of the first half.
Fylde were determined to keep to their plan of keeping the ball in hand and it was no surprise when they ran in a try of their own from their own half. Fortunately, we restored the 21 point margin by half time when, much to Langer`s disgust as a first half hat- trick beckoned, we were awarded a penalty try.
Whilst we started the second half strongly when, following a piece of quick thinking with a smartly taken throw in Alex Wilson opened his account for the season, to extend our lead. Chester, with the wind firmly in their sails and with their momentum building by the minute, then ran in 3 very well worked, unanswered tries in very short succession - all of which were converted to bring them within 5 points, with 15 minutes still to go.
At this stage the game could have gone either way, but the forwards, for which the back row of Greeny , Kieran and Dan Eccles were a very effective unit throughout, prompted by Bebbs at 9 ensured that we played the remainder of the game well within the Fylde half. Alex H then finished off a series of pick and goes to put the game beyond Fylde`s reach, with a final score of 40-28.
Overall, whilst we felt that through the dominance of our pack we deserved the victory, the fact that we were ultimately able to subdue a strong Fylde XV was due to every player making a very full contribution – following on from a good session with Dave Parker on Thursday night and a well structured warm up routine with John Wilson.
Next week, we`re off to Vale of Lune where, if recent encounters between the teams are to go by, we`ll be in for another very close game.
RJH