Curtain comes down on Cats season

A picturesque setting in historic Chester played host to a skilful and entertaining end of season finale for Cheshire Cats.
A see-saw encounter saw home side Chester Gladiators hold out for a 24 – 22 victory.
Despite early strong defence featuring Kane Sullivan,Chester darted over for the first score and led 6 – 0 and this is how the first quarter finished.
The second period saw the Cats come to life and smart dummy half work from Connor Byron saw Toby Phillips score in the corner after a delightful surge to the line.
Taylor Boyne was playing a major role with some text book tackling and great off-loads.
Cheshire added to their lead when – after Dylan Waters intercepted – Ethan Jude dived over in the opposite corner and added a fine touchline conversion to his own try. Half time came with the Cats leading 6 – 10.
The third quarter was nip and tuck but good work from Daniel Munt and Ross McKinnon came to nought as Chester scored a glorious long range try which was also converted.
Even so the Cats finished off this section when an Ethan Jude/Connor Byron exchange of passes saw the latter plunge in from acting half back.
The Kane Sullivan goal kept the Cats ahead by 12 – 16 as the match entered its final stages.
Two quickfire Gladiators’ tries – including another length of the field effort – saw Chester take a 24 – 16 lead going into the closing minutes.
Chester were then forced to drop out after a Cats siege on their line and man of the match Taylor Boyne scattered all before him as he rampaged over.
Again Ethan Jude added the extras from the touchline. Trailing 24 – 22 the Cats strove mightily for the winner but the referee blew the final whistle with Cheshire camped on the Gladiators’ line.
Head Coach Rob Watson was pleased with the performance of his young charges:”All the children were worthy of their selection and did everything asked of them.”
Cheshire Cats Chairman and Founder Lionel Hurst added:”Our team is young and diminutive but fast and skilful. It has been a very successful debut season and we thank the boys and their families for making it so.
“They rightly should take a bow.The lessons and skills learned should place the club in a strong position for 2010.”