Chorley gave Division Two newcomers Garstang a warm welcome on Saturday in the first home fixture of the new league season.

Disappointed by losing to Sefton in the national knockout competition last week Chorley were looking for a return to the form that saw them beat Clitheroe a fortnight ago.

Unluckily for the young Gartstang side, they found it.

Chorley were always the better team and fully deserved their 26 point winning margin.

Chorley won the toss and went straight on the offensive, pinning Garstang in their own half. Pressure turned into points with less than five minutes on the clock when Andy Kavanagh, making a welcome return for Chorley, bounded down the right touchline to score in the corner.

The old firm of Faulkner and Goodman set up Chorley's second try - this time for winger Richard Dempsey - during another attacking move down the right flank fifteen minutes into the game. With things beginning to look ominous for Garstang, the Chorley forwards stepped up the pace, dominating in the scrums and in the loose. But Garstang refused to yield, held their own in the line-outs and defended resolutely - twice stopping experienced wing forward Bernie Hyams when he seemed certain to score.

Hyams finally got his reward shortly before half-time when he rounded off some fine support play to touch down just to the right of the posts. Layder converted and the sides changed ends with Chorley 17-0 in front.

Garstang regrouped at half-time and held their own for the third quarter - scoring a penalty kick along the way.

But Chorley always looked comfortable in defence and with twenty minutes to go they were back on top. Running and handling in the final quarter, through exciting and entertaining, was at times frenetic and Chorley will have to tighten their game up if they are to challenge for the league title this season.

But credit where it's due, Chorley rounded off the match with two more good tries from prop forward Richard Roberts and winger Jon Jackson to secure victory in style.

Chorley looked good and have more to come - fitness, ball retention and tactical play can all improve.

If they do, Chorley could well top the league this season.

Chorley travel to Ashton-under-Lyne on Saturday.

RESULT: Chorley 29 Garstang 3