14/09/2026
On Saturday we were on the road playing old rivals Chester in the second game of the new season. A big, well drilled side that had a good start to the new campaign with a convincing win against Wharfedale the previous week. We were looking to build on last week’s great performance against Darlington MP and welcomed back ho**er Jack Ellam from injury, and debuts for new boys Manu Shute on the wing and Mason Winterburn at scrum half.
To their credit Chester came back strongly and a second try for Harry Craven after another powerful catch and drive from their forwards saw them reduce the lead to 29-13 and looking for a losing bonus point. However the Tigers held firm and another penalty from Ciaran on seventy two minutes saw us finish the game with a convincing 32-13 win and five points on the road.
An excellent performance from the whole squad. Special mention to new players Luke Cole and Harry Lewis who scored three tries between them, and fly half Ciaran Shone who added 12 points with the boot. Big second row Bob Birtwell was deservedly awarded star player after his immense contributions in the set piece and defensive sets.
Two five point wins from two games sees us at the top of the league, but we are taking nothing for granted as it is early days. Our next game is at home to Tynedale from the North East. They have started with a win and a loss, but as we know from past encounters this will be a big challenge and only a top performance will do, so please come down to Park Lane and get behind your special Tigers team.
Cheers, Steve Hazz.
