With both sides looking to kick start the season after rather lacklustre start it was a near flawless first half performance from Chester that ensured that maximum points were gained. Sheffield Tigers had no answer to the 5 try blitz as player coach Rhys Hayes dictated the home side's attack from full back.
Chester's urgency was apparent right from the kick off and centre Andrew McMinimee opened the scoring, crashing over close to the posts after just two minutes and the scoreboard was updated regularly with tries from Harry Wilkinson bullocking over from close range, No8 Shaun Owen following good work with a quick tap penalty from scrum-half Tommy Ellis, wing Dafydd Williams, after a deft pirouette from Hayes, and Ellis himself quickly exploiting some weak ruck defence on the Tigers try line. Morgan Bagshaw was perfect from the tee, going on to land 8 conversions and a penalty. Tigers only response was a penalty from fly-half Baker.

In truth Tigers effort was sustained and to be applauded but foundered on excellent defence from the home side, regularly turning over possession in the red zone.

Tigers started brightly in the second half but were powerless in preventing McMinimee claiming a second try, intercepting close to the line, before Williams also snaffled an interception, this time a little further out, and finishing smartly. Bagshaw converting both tries.

Into the third quarter and Tigers finally got some reward for their efforts with scores from No8 Redfern and replacement hooker Archer, with Baker adding the extras.

Chester had the final word, with Joe Heaton tidying up a Tigers dropped pass and sidestepping to the line.

This was a much improved performance from Rhys Hayes' team, more clinical in attack and resolute in defence. Still work in progress but some encouraging signs.

MOTM: Dafydd Williams