Chester started brightly with Luke Johnson and Max Follows opening the Gladiators account with galloping runs down the wings. West Bank responded immediately and it was up to Dylan Yearsley to team up with Reuben Swan Buchan and Luca Lampard to halt the Widnes attacks from the try line with some solid tackles.

The game settled into an end-to-end show up with each team testing defences and looking for space. Otto Zorn and Alex Woodbury made repeated forays down the Chester wings, making dramatic charges and grabbing valuable meters. In one such attack, Hugh McNay eventually found a gap and weaved and bobbed his way through for his first score for the club.

The game ended in a evenly matched contest with some great teamwork and communication. It was pleasing to a nice, well spaced attacking shape and solid tackling from each side.

The magic moment award went to Otto Zorn for his determination and positive ball carries.