CHESTER climbed to fourth in the National League Two North standings with an impressive 27-0 victory at South Leicester.

The visitors turned in a commanding display in both attack and defence to keep pace with their promotion rivals.

Jan Van Deventer’s side held a commanding15-0 lead at the interval after a brace of tries from Mike Craven and a solo effort from Craig Ross capped a one-sided first half.

The visitors remained compact and well-organised after the interval, with Craven completing his hat-trick out wide before James Robbins’ conversion took the score to 22-0.

A late Callum Bennett score added the gloss for Chester, who are now nine points off leaders Hull Ionians with a game in hand.

Van Deventer said: “We scored three very good tries to get ourselves a deserved lead in the game and we held our shape well throughout to minimise any threat from South Leicester.

“Even in the warm-up I could tell that our mindset was right and we played some excellent rugby right from the start.

“From experience, we know how hard it is in this division to win games away from home, but we’re managing it this season and that’s really pleasing.

“We controlled possession and territory very well to keep them on the back foot.

“On another day, the scoreline could’ve been a lot more convincing but overall we’re delighted to keep a very positive run going.”

Leaders Hull were 20-15 victors against Huddersfield, while Hinckley moved into second with a 32-14 home win over Sedgley Park.

Macclesfield were hammered 54-7 at Sheffield Tigers, Tynedale beat Preston Grasshoppers 31-29, Otley triumphed 26-10 at Peterborough Lions, Wharfedale beat Leicester Lions 34-30, while Fylde were 36-18 winners at Stourbridge.