CHESTER v BILLINGHAM

National League 2 North | Saturday 26 September | KO 3:00pm

The road trip continues.

Billingham head west this Saturday as we make the journey to Hare Lane to take on Chester in our fourth National League 2 North fixture of the 2026/27 campaign.

And after finally getting that first win of the season last Saturday, there is a real sense of momentum building around the squad.

But standing in our way is a Chester side who have made an impressive start to life back in National 2 North.

CHESTER – A STRONG START

Chester have won two of their opening three league fixtures.

They began the season in style with a 35–7 home victory over Wharfedale, before going down 32–13 against title contenders Sedgley Park.

They bounced back in impressive fashion last weekend, travelling to Otley and coming away with a 50–28 victory.

Eight tries on the road tells you plenty about what Chester can do with the ball.

After three rounds, Chester have scored 98 points, conceding 67.

They currently sit sixth in the table.

BILLINGHAM – FIRST WIN ON THE BOARD

For Billingham, the opening three weeks have produced two defeats and one win.

We began with a 17–7 defeat against Fylde before narrowly going down 41–31 away at Harrogate.

Then came last Saturday.

Billingham 47–36 Wharfedale.

A first win of the campaign, 47 points scored and a performance that showed exactly what this Billingham side is capable of.

It was a game full of attacking rugby, with Billingham finding the try line repeatedly and holding their nerve to see out a high-scoring contest.

We’ve now scored 85 points in our opening three games.

The challenge this weekend is to take that attacking threat on the road.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

There is already some recent history between these two sides.

The last time Billingham travelled to Chester, the hosts came out on top 47–22 in November 2024.

But Billingham got their revenge when the sides met at Greenwood Road later that season.

A closely fought contest ended:

Billingham 29–23 Chester.

So the recent head-to-head stands at one win apiece.

And now, almost 18 months later, the two sides meet again.

WHAT TO EXPECT

If the opening three rounds are anything to go by, this could be another game with plenty of attacking rugby.

Chester have already scored 35 points at home and 50 away.

Billingham have just put 47 points on Wharfedale.

Both sides have shown they can score.

But away from the statistics, this is about Billingham taking the confidence from last weekend and turning it into a performance on the road.

The first win is secured.

Now comes the opportunity to build on it.

ON THE ROAD

The boys will make the trip to Hare Lane knowing they’ll have plenty of work to do.

Chester will be favourites on their own patch.

But Billingham have already shown this season that they won’t shy away from a battle.

One win is on the board.

Now let’s see what Saturday brings.

Chester v Billingham

Hare Lane
Saturday 26 September
3:00pm
National League 2 North

Come on Billingham!