Game Preview: v Chester Romans

Sun May 10 2026

Yorkshire Academy Rams vs Chester Romans

17 May 2026, 2:00pm

Cheshire County Sports Club, Chester

Rams v Romans

Latest results

One To Watch

#45 Matt Snell

#45 Matt Snell

Matt Snell made an immediate impression in his rookie season, earning the Rookie MVP award against the Newcastle Vikings after hauling in a big touchdown pass from Michael Rojas to level the scores at 7-7 and later connecting on a 30-yard strike to set up a field goal in the fourth quarter.

The wide receiver showed composure beyond his experience at Druid Park, consistently finding space in the Vikings' secondary and coming down with contested catches when the Rams needed them most.

With two games under his belt and a growing connection with Rojas, Snell will be looking to build on that early promise and give the Chester defence another target to worry about.

One To Watch

Byron Ward

Byron Ward

Byron Ward earned the Offensive MVP award from Chester's opening fixture against the Newcastle Vikings, leading the Romans' attack on numerous drives and connecting on multiple touchdown passes in a competitive display despite the 41-19 defeat.

The quarterback will be the focal point of the Chester offence once again, and the Rams' pass rush will need to get after him early to prevent him from settling into a rhythm.

Last 5 meetings

  • 27 April 2025: RAMS 40 - 0 Chester Romans
  • 6 April 2025: Chester Romans 0 - 27 RAMS
  • 14 July 2024: Chester Romans 0 - 44 RAMS
  • 9 June 2024: RAMS 26 - 10 Chester Romans
  • 22 July 2007: Chester Romans 8 - 21 RAMS

For all previous meetings, click here.

Summary

The Rams travel south to Cheshire County Sports Club for the first of two meetings with the Chester Romans this season. Both sides head into this one looking to bounce back after losing to the Newcastle Vikings, with the NFC North standings making every game count at this stage of the campaign.

Yorkshire arrive off the back of a frustrating 21-16 defeat at Druid Park, a game that ended controversially when a late offensive play was ruled out by the stand-in officials. There were encouraging signs despite the result — Ben Dolan took home the Offensive MVP award, Matt Snell continued to develop as a receiving threat, and the defence forced multiple punts in the second half. The challenge now is to carry that second-half intensity across a full four quarters.

The Romans opened their campaign with a 41-19 home defeat to Newcastle on 19 April. Byron Ward provided a bright spot at quarterback, earning the Offensive MVP award after leading multiple drives and throwing for several touchdowns. The Romans have been shut out in three of the last four meetings with the Rams, so they will be desperate to put points on the board in front of their home support.

With both teams chasing their next win in the division, expect a competitive afternoon in Chester.