CHESTER ROMANS fell to a damaging NFC 1 South defeat against Sandwell, while their Junior counterparts had a slightly more enjoyable away trip to Doncaster.

Despite having their best scoring return of the season so far, the Romans’ senior team stumbled to a 57-12 reverse against a highflying Sandwell Steelers side in the Midlands.

A strong start from Sandwell saw the league leaders score five touchdowns on their way to racing into a 38-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. The Midlands side continued their dominance in the second period, stretching their lead to 57-0 by the end of the half.

Chester’s wide receiver Nathan Jewkes made a 13-yard catch in the third quarter to get their first points of the match on the board.

But, as against Nottingham in their last two games, the Romans failed to convert their bonus points kick, leaving the score at 57-6.

Line-backer, Craig Wright, ran in another touchdown minutes later, but once again his Chester side failed to capitalise through the bonus points kick.

Wright’s score reduced the deficit by making it 57-12 going into the final quarter, but that was to be the end of the action as the game fizzled out in the final minutes.

The result leaves Chester fifth in their six-team league, with a now crucial clash coming up on Sunday, May 12 when the Romans host fourth-placed Lancashire Wolverines.

Meanwhile, the Chester Romans junior team took part in their first tournament of the season on the weekend, winning two of their three matches in Doncaster.

The Under 19s side endured a tough start, losing the opening game 22-2 against an experienced North East Academy team.

But the Chester youngsters bounced back with an 18-10 win over the Doncaster Colts, before beating the same team again 22-14 in a second-place determiner.

Dylan Humphreys and Sid Wright were particularly impressive with their offensive work, while Alex Baldry and Alex Williams produced excellent displays at the other end.

Chester will host the next junior tournament - against the Doncaster Colts and Sheffield Giants – on Saturday, May 18 at their Cheshire County Sports Club home.