LANCASTER rugby league team put up a valiant fight against former Conference champions Chester Wolves on Saturday - but lost the points on the historic day that marked the return of rugby league to the Giant Axe.

There was plenty to be proud of as the underdogs fell behind early on but refused to be pounded into sub-mission.

Lancaster actually 'won' the second half against their experienced opponents, al-though it made little difference to the outcome.

The game started well for Wolves, with a try down the right wing from centre Paul Curphey - the first of a hat-trick in the first half as the Wolves built up a substantial early lead.

Lancaster hit back and captain Rob Shaw touched down the first home points for the club behind the posts.

Andy Garnett couldn't miss the conversion but Wolves kept a tight grip on their lead as Curphey completed his hat trick.

Lancaster opened up more in the second half, firing on all cylinders and backed by an encouraging crowd of more than 200 supporters.

A brace of tries from Andy Garnett and great support on the field from Liam Hall and Greg Sykes ensured that the hosts never made it easy for the visitors.

Recent signings Ireland international Darren Clarke and Dave McVernon proved invaluable as they both got their names on the scoresheet before the final whistle - giving Lancaster a 10-points advantage over Chester in the second half alone. But they could not do enough to turn the game around