Orrell 34 - 24 Holmes Chapel

Holmes Chapel 1st XV visited top of the table Orrell last Saturday in South Lancashire & Cheshire 2. The homes side had picked up 4 consecutive bonus point wins but Chapel made the trip north hoping to pull off a shock win to move themselves up the table. Chapel were grateful to Chris Jones, Paul Cooke, Steve Hatton, and John Morris who all stepped into the breach at short notice.

Chapel were determined to rattle their hosts from the outset, and the forwards put in some big hits straight from the kick off. The pack continued to compete well and laid the platform for the first try of the game when Paul Watson went crashing over from close range. Kristian Clowes successfully converted for a 7-0 lead. Orrell were soon back in the game, scoring 2 well worked tries through the backs (both converted). They added a third when their winger scored out wide, although on this occasion the conversion was unsuccessful. However, Chapel refused to lie down and they narrowed the deficit when Watson beat a couple of attempted tackles to score. Clowes again added the conversion. A fourth Orrell try (unconverted) was scored before the break but at 26-14 the game was still very much in the balance.

A tight second half saw the visitors grow in confidence and only a last-ditch tackle prevented Jed Wragg from touching down in the corner. Soon afterwards though, some good interplay from Clowes and Mike Cottam gave the Chapel speedster a second chance and this time he made no mistake. A terrific conversion followed and the gap was only 5 points. Orrell were next on the board when they kicked a close-range penalty, but this was quickly cancelled out when Mark Concar won a penalty from his opposite number in the scrum and Clowes chalked up another 3 points. In the end, the crucial score came when the ball shot out of a Chapel scrum and the Orrell scrum half was able to scoop up the ball and offload to the supporting runner to provide the finish. Although the conversion failed it left Chapel with a mountain to climb at 10 points down. The visitors never gave up and forced a succession of penalties as they went on the attack, searching for at least a bonus point. With time running out they were awarded a penalty near the right touchline, and with no time for the lineout Clowes bravely stepped forward to try and secure the losing bonus point. He was desperately unlucky to see a fine kick bounce off the upright, with Orrell clearing to touch to end the game.

Next week sees Chapel take on Ramsey at Station Road. The Isle of Man side were also promoted last season and have got off to the better start having already registered 2 victories. Chapel will be looking to build on their recent performances but will need to improve further to get their first win of the season. Kick off is at 2.30pm and all spectators are welcome.
Holmes Chapel RUFC would like to thank their main sponsors Pochins, Electech, and AUF Leasing for their continued support. For more information on our sponsors please follow the link below.

https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/holmeschapel/?primary=theclub&secondary=sponsors