The first half contained far too many handling errors by both teams, handling destroying continuity while Chester applied early pressure but no points, the story of their day.
Hull Ionians took play up field helped by too many penalties and opened their account with a simple penalty by Lewis Minikin. Chester replied with Gethin Long running back a deep kick with his chip and chase bouncing clear of defenders but up into his hands to score, Morgan Bagshaw adding the conversion.
Minikin added a second penalty then as the forwards took Chester on a powerful run by George Mewburn took play to the line where Will Yates dived in at the corner.
Chester once again came back into the attacking 22 for long periods but their drives were held and then finally pushed into touch. Hull Ionians line-out drive cleared their line followed by a raking touch kick from Ben Smith.
The second half opened with Hull Ionians driving a penalty line-out from the 22 to the line where a collapsed maul saw a penalty try awarded and the Chester lock yellow carded.
Chester took play to the line but conceded a penalty for foul play and Hull Ionians cleared their line then Minikin made ground to be tackled just short for Ben Stephenson to dive over in the corner.
Chester sorted out their first half line-out errors and spent most of the half in the attacking 22 but for 20 minutes could not turn pressure into points against a resolute well organised defence.
Chester at last made two quick break throughs with replacement scrum half Tom Holloway supporting well to score then moving the ball wide saw winger Joe Heaton crossing, Bagshaw converting one.
With Chester now within 4 points and 3 minutes left on the clock they thought they were in with a chance but Hull Ionians had other ideas, retook control and had the final say. Ben Smith kicked to the corner forcing a 5 metre line-out. The pack took the ball cleanly driving Jack Walker over for the deserved bonus point try with Minikin adding the goal to finish the match.