RYLANDS Sharks A suffered a narrow home defeat in an enthralling spectacle at Shark Park in Division Four of NWML.

The Sharks opened the scoring after only two minutes played with a well taken try from centre Neil Evans converted by Chris Meacock.

Chester replied with two quick tries of their own through Paul Rouchdale and Johnny Rea, both converted by Mark Kingsley.

On 25 minutes Carl Lloyd replied for Rylands scoring under the sticks with Meacock again converting.

Just before the turnaround the visitors again took the lead with a try from Tom Bradfield converted by Kingsley.

Rylands then hit back on 38 minutes when Pete Leonard found space to cross the whitewash and with Meacock converting both sides went into the break level pegging.

The second half provided few opportunities for either side to break the deadlock with both defences on top, but in the 72nd minute Leonard looked like he had snatched the points for the Sharks with a pin point drop goal from 30 yards out, only for Chester’s Dan Timps to receive the benefit of the doubt from the referee and controversially score out wide with the last play of the match.

Best for Rylands were Mal Mason, Neil Evans, and Russ Clarke, while Kellam Friday was the pick of the Chester outfit.

Rylands Team: Carl Lloyd, Vinny Yearsley, Neil Evans, Jimmy Harrsion, Richard Clancy, Chris Meacock, Pete Leonard, Russ Clarke, Alan Brinksman, Daryl Smith, Matty Mairs, Adam Peers, Mal Mason, Sean Withington, Ian Johnson, Phil Leonard, Jason Mather.