Chester 18 West Park 5 PARK were left in the starting blocks in what had been billed the Division North West One title decider.

After 20 minutes they had hardly touched the ball and Chester were 10 points up from a try from right wing Roger Hughes converted by fly-half Rob Spence who added a penalty.

The only scoring effort from West Park was disallowed as Tongan centre Harmon Tuavao was adjudged to have passed the ball after the tackle had been completed.

Some strong play from the Park pack failed to bring results due to poor finishing but eventually pressure led to a penalty taken quickly by Martin Strett and Steve Bibby drove over, Chris Glynn missing the conversion as half-time arrived at 10-5 for the home side.

Spence kicked a second penalty two minutes into the second period and as the Park forwards clearly drove Steve Bibby over from close in the referee disallowed the 'try' after losing sight of the ball in the preceding ruck.

Gareth Kenwright was also stopped inches short and for once full-back Chris Glynn left his shooting boots at home as several kickable penalties were missed and Park desperately ignored kicking chances to take tap penalties to reduce the eight points deficit. After sustaining 30 minutes pressure from West Park, Chester showed why they had won all 11 league games since losing at Red Rocks earlier in the season and a close-in forward drive put their outstanding player number eight Tim Woodell over for the final try ensuring Chester's promotion to North Two next season and barring miracles Park to another season in North West One.

This weekend Park have a home non-league game with North West Two side Northwich but will no doubt have the following weeks NPI cup quarter final at West Park Bramhope more than a little in mind.

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