This Saturday Chapel took on Aldwinians in the Quarter Final of the Robinsons Trophy. The boys in blue were forced to make several changes from previous games with a lot of regularly unavailable. Even with this in mind, Chapel could name a strong side with the returning Jim Moss and Luke Cheetham in the back line. There was also a return for ex-1st XV skipper Jon Griffin at lock.
Chapel started OK and earned a scrum off the kick off, the ball was spread wide from the base as chapel looked to stretch the defence, unfortunately it did not budge, and the move was well read. Aldwinians broke excellently and scored from the counter attack. This kick off ended with the same result; an attacking scrum after the kick chase forced a mistake from the away side. Chapel mixed it up though and number 8 Dan Partington broke from the base and charged towards the line. The rest of the pack took over and forced their way towards the line, unfortunately Aldwinians turned the ball over just a yard from their try line. They exited well and then scored from the resulting line out. This knocked the stuffing out of the boys in blue and they really struggled to get a foot hold in the game. The pressure from the seat side continued and Chapel struggled to contain their physicality. Half time came and the score was 0-33.
A tactical change was made as Daisy Mitchell entered the frame in the front row. The team had a good look at itself and set the aim of winning the second half.
The boys in blue came out of half time rejuvenated. The aggression levels were raised, and the game plan simplified. Every one of the 15 was hungrier to get on the ball, Dan Partington, Conor Gavin and Daisy Mitchell seeing plenty of the ball. Chapel marched up the field and got within 5 of the line. After numerous pick and goes, Captain Tom Chambers was able to power over the line. The boys in blue now had a foothold in the game, even though Chapel knew the result was all but gone, they continued to press. All 15 were working hard and now matching Aldwinians physicality were starting to create chances. A driving maul was well set from a line out, the drive resulted in a penalty try. Unfortunately, Aldwinians scored 2 quick fire counter attacking tries to put an end to the potential miracle come back. The boys did not give up though and ended the game with a try from replacement prop Daisy Mitchell. The score ended 19-47.

Not the best day for Chapel but they managed to end on a positive with a dogged second half performance against a very good Aldwinians team. The boys can be proud of the effort shown in the second half but we're unfortunately unable to make up for the poor start to the game. MoM went to young number 8 Dan Partington who was excellent in the loose. Good luck to Aldwinians in the semi final against Bowden.