Chester Gladiators secured a hard fought 36-30 win against Co-operative Rugby League Conference champions elect Mancunians RL in a tough and physical encounter at Broughton Park.

Both sides were missing a host of players due to injury and other commitments but produced an entertaining spectacle in difficult conditions.

The home side, who have already secured top berth in the North West Regional division, took an early lead when hooker Jack Hancock took advantage of some poor defence to scamper over the line after just two minutes. However, Chester hit back with a try from Adam Pierpoint who linked well with Rob Massam, a combination that was to cause the hosts major problems all afternoon.

Massam scored a try of his own on the 20 minute mark to put the Gladiators in front before Stuart Stones barged his way across the whitewash for Mancunians to give the home side a slender lead at the interval.

Chester again started the second half slowly and Mancunians extended their advantage through Kemar Giles but Chester responded strongly. Player coach Declan Foy twisted and turned his way over the line from close range before Massam just managed to avoid the touchline en route to claiming his second of the game.

Pierpoint then followed up with his second of the game to put the Gladiators in control and Foy showed some neat footwork to force his way over the line from close range once more. Neil Shackloth pulled a try back for the hosts before Massam wrapped up his hat-trick with a trademark finish.

With time running out the home side were understandably growing frustrated and both sides discipline began to suffer with a succession of penalties before tempers frayed on the 70 minute mark and the home side saw Sam Wilson sent to the sinbin following a clash with Jim Green. Mancunians had the final say as their impressive centre Dave Rushton powered his way to the try line but Chester held out to claim and impressive victory.

The Gladiators final regular season game is scheduled to take place on Saturday 31st July at home against Crewe & Nantwich Steamers. Please check www.chestergladiators.com for confirmation of kick-off times.

Squad: Chris Blythe, Dave Beddows, Alexis Wilkie, Rob Massam, Adam Pierpoint, Declan Foy, Chris Pape, Sam Lee, Jim Green, Chris Young, Martin Cormack, Rich Owen, Damon Williams (Interchange: Stuart Davies, Gareth Davies, Darren Hawes, Dan Timperley)

Tries: Rob Massam (3), Adam Pierpoint (2) and Declan Foy (2)

Goals: Chris Pape (5/7)

Bartletts Solicitors Man of the Match:

3: Rob Massam
2: Declan Foy
1: Damon Williams