Debut man Chell leads Gate to their first win

■By TIM THORLEY

Harrogate…………….22

Chester……………….. 16

HARROGATE secured their first victory of the season with a narrow win over Chester in which Fred Chell led the way.

As soon as the referee blew his whistle, the heavens opened.

However, this did not deter Chester who made a fast start.

In the second minute, Tom Ellis crossed for an unconverted try.

Then, in the 10th minute, following a cross-field grubber kick, Dafydd Williams made the score 10-0, though the extras were missed again.

Chester went further ahead five minutes later through a Morgan Bagshaw penalty.

Harrogate got back into the game just before half-time.

Chell, on his debut, scored a try that Tom Steene converted.

Harrogate then took the lead eight minutes into the second half, with Will Hill crossing for Steene to convert.

However, Chester went back in the lead two minutes later through another Bagshaw penalty when Harrogate were reduced to 14 men.

Chester also went down to 14, and Oli Toomey took advantage with a penalty in the 54th minute.

But Harrogate made sure of victory in the 67th minute.

That came when Sam

Shepherd burrowed over for his first try for the club, but the extras were missed.

Nonetheless, Gate held out as the sun re-appeared.

REFEREE: Peter Connor ATTENDANCE: 150

Star player Fred Chell -Harrogate