NATIONAL Two West newcomers Chester are bedding into their new league – and top try-scorer Ben Ivory thinks that the fresh challenges ahead will only bolster the team’s resolve as they now have the chance to pit themselves against the teams that feed into the Prem heavyweights Bristol Bears.
Despite the brand new environment, the talented outside centre believes the longer bus journeys will only strengthen the team’s already solid bonds, and his beloved Chester can make a good name for themselves this season.
Ivory, 23, told The Rugby Paper: “I would love us to push for a top-four finish this year, and I think we are more than capable of doing so. This league is a whirlwind and very tight, home form is vital for climbing up the table but if you put a block of good performances together, teams can climb the ladder quite quickly.
“It’s important to stay grounded and not get too drawn in to looking at league table this early in the season, the focus will be taking every week as it comes and ticking fixtures off one by one.
“We are the most talented group I have been a part of at Chester which is so exciting but at times we do not fulfil our potential, and our league position does not reflect the ability of the group.
“Finishing towards the top of the table will be a great reward for the hard work we have put into the season so far and that we will continue to put in for the rest of the year.”
“We have been shifted into the West league this year so a huge battle for us is travel and getting our preparation right.
“The long bus trips provide a great opportunity to get around each other, and wins on the road create lifelong memories with the boys.
“In my experience, the West league is a good standard of rugby with a lot of teams from the Bristol hotbed and surrounding areas who are athletic, skilful and love rugby.”
Ivory – who had eight tries heading into this round – aspires to keep pushing Chester up the table, with his sights set on celebrating his 100th cap next season.
He added: “It would be fantastic if I could play every game this year, which will enable me to achieve 100 club appearances early in the 26/27 season. Being a mainstay in the team will give me a great chance of finishing as Chester’s top try scorer again this year as I have had a decent try scoring return so far. The most important thing is the team and winning matches, and personal goals and milestones are good to aim for but do not come close to the winning feeling as a collective.
“The club have aspirations to climb the league structure and it’s a great environment to be a part of, there is definitely something special about the club. The team are so well supported every week by our loyal group of fans, family and friends.”
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