Chester entertain Corbridge-based Tynedale RUFC at Hare Lane on Saturday in the rearranged fixture from 29th September. That game was postponed as a precaution following a suspected outbreak of the MSRA virus affecting the Tynedale squad. Thankfully, no lasting damage has been done. In fact, following that enforced lay off Tynedale produced arguably their best performance of the season so far thumping Fylde 59-15. In contrast, the week off did Chester no favours as they gave up their unbeaten record at Peterborough Lions.
Tynedale have yet to win away from their Station Road ground and will no doubt be looking for a repeat of the 2016/17 season's match where they sneaked a 1-point win 10-11. Last season's game also produced a thrilling 1-point win, this time for the home side as a thunderous comeback from the visitors fell just short, Chester winning 34-33 on the bottom pitch as work began on the AGP.
Jan Deventer will no doubt be hoping for another exciting game without the nervy finish.
Despite the big win against Fylde, Tynedale have slipped to 12th in National 2 North picking up 3 wins so far against the aforementioned Fylde, Sedgley Park and a last gasp win in the 10th minute of injury time last week at home to Preston Grasshoppers. They've also drawn 33-33 against Chester defeated opponents last week South Leicester.
This is the only fixture in National 2 North on Saturday and a win for Chester would lift them into 2nd place in the league above Hinckley and Huddersfield.
Kick off is 3pm