CHESTER coach Jan Van Deventer hailed a ‘professional’ display from his title-chasing side in their 24-5 victory at National League Two rivals Wharfedale.

Making strong use of the wind to their backs, Chester put the hosts under sustained pressure and ran in the opening try on 22 minutes when influential number eight Shay Owen crossed the whitewash.

James Robins showed his kicking quality to put Chester 7-0 ahead.

The advantage was doubled within five minutes when Chester rolled over the whitewash from a line-out with Alick Croft touching down and Robins adding the extras.

Owen dotted down for his second and despite facing a swirling wind after the break, Chester contained the hosts and wrapped up a bonus-point victory courtesy Macc Van Sertima’s try.

The victory moved Chester to within a point of the summit and left Van Deventer impressed with his side’s application.

He said: “I thought it was an exceptional team performance and there were some outstanding individual displays too.

“There’s a vociferous home crowd up there, and I felt that a strong start was essential to put us into a strong position.

“We did that and I felt we looked really comfortable all afternoon because of the professional way we managed the game.”

Leaders Hull Ionians slipped to a surprise 34-27 home defeat to Sedgley Park, while Fylde picked up a 59-12 win at South Leicester.

Tynedale beat Macclesfield 33-12, Huddersfield were downed 58-22 at Stourbridge, Sheffield Tigers triumphed 21-18 against Leicester Lions, Preston Grasshoppers won 19-12 at Peterborough, while Hinckley fell to a 25-14 home reverse to Otley.