A SUPERB hat-trick of tries from Yannick Debil earned Prudhoe and Stocksfield maximum points from their trip to Chester-le-Street.

The hosts threatened a comeback after trailing 17-0 at the break, but Debil ran in two further scores to complete his treble and ensure all five points were heading back to Tynedale.

Prudhoe travelled to Durham with a strong squad of 17 despite having 10 players unavailable, boosted by the returns from injury of Rob Reid and Raji Kingman.

Last season’s captain, Dave Henry, made his first appearance of the season, while Dan Tate and James Watson both made their debuts.

The visitors had the wind in their favour in the opening half, and, after good early breaks from Debil, Kingman and Reid, they took the lead.

Some further neat work around the fringes from the forwards allowed Steven Henderson to dart through a gap in the defence for the first score of the game, the same player converting the try for 7-0.

The lead was extended five minutes later when Henderson sent over a simple penalty when Chester were penalised for being offside at the breakdown.

Prudhoe started to really stamp their authority midway through the half, and the pressure paid off when Debil powered over the line to get up-and-running for the afternoon.

Prudhoe's confidence was sky high and they cut through Chester-le-Street at ease, strong breaks from Carl Ferguson and Chris Patterson allowing Ben Archer to set Jonathon Dodds free down the left touchline only for the winger to just fail to gather the ball cleanly for what would have been a third try.

A well worked maul was just thwarted before the try line, seeing the visitors take a 17-0 lead into the break.

The game turned scrappy as the heavens opened after the break, with Chester benefiting as they forayed into the opposition half for the first time. The P&S defence stood firm with Gerry Robinson relieving the pressure with a couple of crucial turnovers.

Prudhoe's resolve was finally broken five minutes later when a quick tap penalty saw their number eight burst under the posts.

Another converted try following a wayward Henderson pass brought the deficit to just three points 10 minutes later, with Prudhoe worried about undoing their good work in the first half.

Liam Dobbin was introduced from the bench, and Prudhoe regained their composure with ball in hand.

Following some strong carries by the pack, they won a five metre penalty which was quickly taken and offloaded to Andy Marsh, who produced a tremendous pass to release Debil for his second try of the game.

Henderson's successful conversion gave P&S some breathing space at 24-14.

Debil secured the bonus point just five minutes later, with thanks to a fantastic solo try.

He took the ball inside his own half and powered past a couple of defenders to race clear and complete a fine hat-trick.

Henderson’s conversion took the lead to 17 points with 10 minutes remaining.

Chester grabbed a late consolation in the final five minutes, but it was Prudhoe, playing some terrific rugby at times, who finished as deserved victors with the final score at 31-19.