Forced to travel with just 13 available players due to injuries and work commitments, Chester were always likely to find the going tough against a much improved Little Hulton.

Centre Olly Tattersall gave the Gladiators a dream start when he sliced his way over for the first try of the match on four minutes but the home side hit back strongly.

Little Hulton took advantage of some slack Chester defence to run in five tries in the space of 20 minutes and assume control of the game.

Winger Simon Cooke forced his way over in the corner on 34 minutes for Chester to reduce the deficit just before the half time break.

The hosts struck first after the interval to all but wrap up the victory but to their credit the Gladiators refused to throw in the towel.

Dan Rowett raced 65 metres for an excellent individual try and Steve Threlfall forced his way over for a deserved score to restore some respectability for the visitors.

The final score was 46-22 in the visitors favour and Rowett was named as the Bartlett's Solicitors Man of the Match.