It was a great opportunity to make some new friends and to put some of the handling skills from our summer training sessions into practice. A huge thanks to Crusaders and the Falcons for helping us out and making for such an enjoyable event.

The Gladiators worked together well in defence with Alex Woodbury, Joe Wilcock and Max Follows leading the line and communicating well, wrapping up the Falcons and Crusaders runners and keeping a good shape.

In attack it was pleasing to see Chester's passing game progressing with each week and the team led themselves, looking to pass and support each other. In addition Reuben Swan-Buchan made some fantastic mazy runs with one resulting in a well deserved score. Luke Johnson scored some fantastic tries with his committed and swift carries down our wings.

Finley Bacon had a stand-out game and in a fabulous magic moment received the ball from a nice offload and took the ball through a gap in the line, gaining crucial extra metres.