LANCASTER were taught a rugby league lesson by former champions Chester Wolves on Saturday.

In a repeat of Lancaster's first home game from last season, the Wolves emerged victorious by 44-16.

Forced into a number of changes with Keith Hartlebury and Liam Butterworth abroad and Mark Squires, Greg Sykes and Randall Raines all injured, this game was always going to be a tough ask for the Giant Axe men.

And so it turned out as Chester stand off Peter Bowden crossed for a hat trick of tries.

For Lancaster, Russell Birkett was outstanding again in a new role in the centre of the field while scrum half Steve Hartle celebrated his return to the side by scoring a try in the second half as the city side battled back from 28-0 down at the interval.

In addition, Gavin Winder collected a pass from the excellent Rob Shaw to register his second try of the season and Phil Casson escaped the clutches of two defenders to score out wide.

Lancaster now have a week away from the Rugby League Conference as they compete in the International York Nines competition, where they will play Russian champions Strela Kazan, Les Hussards de Paris and Glasgow Bulls.

Walkabout Inns Man of the Match: Russell Birkett.