Holmes Chapel 29 v 7 Knutsford

Holmes Chapel 1st XV had a solid start to the new season on Saturday, as they overcame local rivals Knutsford at Station Road in the Cheshire Plate. The match was notable for being Ed Meyrick's first game in his new role as 1st XV Captain, and he was determined to begin with a strong performance. Chapel welcomed back Jim Ainsworth to the starting line up after a long absence and he turned in a brilliant display - winning ball in the lineout and causing the opposition problems all around the field. Knutsford always present a tough challenge and Chapel knew they would have to hit the ground running if they wanted to start the season with a victory, however a good pre-season gave them confidence going into this game.

The match kicked off with the home side playing into the wind and they tried to put early pressure on the visitors. This enthusiasm led to a couple of penalties being conceded before the referee ordered Ainsworth to the sin-bin for breaking early off a scrum. Despite being a man down it was Chapel who took the lead after some dangerous running from the backs stretched the Knutsford defence. Lee Cagna broke from the back of a ruck and popped the ball to Jon Griffin who was able to step inside the covering defender to score. Doug Canavan added the conversion to take a 7-0 lead. Things got even better for Chapel when Meyrick made a trademark burst down the right had side of the field and outpaced the defence to extend the lead (conversion missed). After scoring 12 points with only 14 men on the field, the home side were looking for further scores to take the game away from the opposition. Last season's most improved player Ed O'Hare scored their third try before half time when he gathered a loose ball and had enough strength and pace to ground the ball in the corner (conversion missed). Knutsford then began to have an impact on the match, aided by some needless penalties as Chapel were forced back deep into their own territory. Sustained pressure on the line was only kept out by determined and aggressive defence as Chapel maintained their 17-0 lead through to half time.

The second half started brilliantly for the home side as they immediately set up camp in Knutsford territory. They secured the ball from an attacking lineout and drove the ball forward, sucking defenders into the maul. Meyrick then darted through a gap in the defence and offloaded superbly to Jim Bowbeer in support. He held off the would-be tacklers to touch down for another try that Canavan converted for a 24-0 lead. Despite the scoreline, Knutsford refused to give up the contest and continued to cause problems from Chapel when they had possession. On several occasions, they were close to creating scoring opportunities as Chapel were guilty of wasting their own ball far too often. However, when Chapel did find some fluency it led to the best try of the afternoon. From a lineout on the right side of the pitch, the ball was swiftly transferred through the backs for full-back Canavan to join the line at pace and score the try (conversion missed). The final twenty minutes were mainly dominated by Knutsford as they looked for a consolation score. With Chapel again guilty of conceding too many penalties, Rob Tothill paid the price for the team's transgressions by becoming the second Chapel player to be sin-binned. Eventually, Knutsford crossed the line through their scrum half, with the try being converted to make the score 29-7. The action soon ended with the full time whistle confirming a winning start to the season for the home side.

After the match, newly appointed Director of Rugby Matt Bowden commented "we still have a lot to work on but it's good to start the season with a win". All 18 players in the matchday squad made a full contribution, with young players Jack Baskerville and Mitch Lawrence doing well after coming off the bench. Ainsworth was named man of the match for his performance but this was an impressive team display from Chapel.

The season continues next Saturday at Station Road with the first league game. Port Sunlight are the visitors for a 3pm kick-off, with all spectators welcome.