Chester-le-Street entered a rearranged Durham Northumberland league fixture against West Hartlepool with a plan to do the double over them and finish a fine season on a winning note.

It would also see captain Jim Langley leading his team out for the last time as he steps down from his role for the forthcoming season.

The game started with West Hartlepool catching Chester off guard from the kick off which saw their centre run through the Chester line to score under the posts to put Chester down by 5 points within the first five minutes. However, it wasn't long before Chester were doing their usual in the scrums with the front five of Langley Evans Barron Tidd and O Conner dominating throughout. From such a set piece no 8 Jason Dale broke up the blind-side only to hit a wall of defenders. The resulting melee saw Chester awarded a penalty which was took quickly by Atkinson who made a dash for the line, he would have scored a simple try if the two West players who were well offside had left him alone, the referee had no alternative but to award Chester a penalty try. This was duly converted by Dave Kilkenny. From the resulting kick off Chester were awarded another penalty which Kilkenny slotted from some 40 yards.West's reply was instant with a well worked move that saw the West tighthead prop finish off with a touchdown under the posts which their fullback converted. They soon followed with another quick try when a mix up in the Chester defence allowed their flanker through to score in the corner. The Chester response was an excellent example of backline rugby with the ball shipped from Phil Barron along the line to Graham Roberts who held a killer pass to the last second to allow Dan Monk to touch down in the corner.

It was Chesters turn at the beginning of the second half to catch West off guard and it was fitting that it was Captain Jim Langley who broke the West line to score a fine try which also just happened to be his first of the season. Kilkenny made no mistake with the kick. West were finding themselves stifled in the middle of the park and were restricted with kicks at goal with each penalty they won. Some fine kicking from the West fullback was slowly edging West in front. Chester regained the lead after some good work by the backrow forwards saw Jason Dale cross the line West answered this with another fine kick from their fullback which saw West 2 points in the lead with only 5 minutes left on the clock. The try of the game belonged to the Chester back line who put together a fine ensemble of moves to allow winger Jon Ogley to touch down in the corner.

The extra two points from Kilkenny secured the 34-29 win for Chester. This was a very entertaining game on all counts and it capped a fine season for Chester-le-Street Rugby Club which sees them finish a healthy seventh in the league for season 2003/2004.

l Chester-le-Street Rugby are hoping to hold a dinner in early September to celebrate their 25th Anniversary season and would like as many members past and present to attend. Any ex players interested in attending can ring club Chairman Paul Langley on 0191 3885989 for further details.