RUGBY

A poor first-half display precipitated Bishop Auckland's sixth defeat in seven matches when they hosted Chester-le-Street in Division Three of the Durham and Northumberland League.

The Cestrians proved considerably heavier and a far more committed side and from the very first scrum it was clear that Bishops lightweight forwards were in for a difficult afternoon.

They lost a number of scrums and rarely got clean or quick possession from those they did win. Although Dodds took a number of excellent catches at the front of the line-out there was a serious lack of contact between Atkinson's throws and the jumpers, often allowing the visitors to take possession.

Added to their set-piece difficulties, there was an unusual lack of commitment to tackling by Bishops which gave Chester le Street considerable territorial advantage which they made count as they ran in two converted tries and kicked two penalties for a 20-0 half time lead.

In a game of two halfs, Bishops were much better after the break and could have won the match.

Chester conceded a number of penalties as they struggled to stifle constant Bishops attacks but far too often the visitors were allowed to re-organise their defence before Bishops could run the ball and benefit fully from their new-found enterprise.

Good balls from the forwards allowed the Bishops backs to run at the opposition and Hughes barged through for a try which he then converted.

Gallone ran a tap penalty before passing to Campbell who drove over the line for their second try which Hughes converted.

The home side continued to press but Chester le Street protected their lead, leaving Bishops to rue their poor first-half performance as they ended the game 20-14 losers.