Holmes Chapel resume winning ways

On Saturday 5th September Holmes Chapel took the short trip down the A54 to visit old rivals Congleton in the opening league fixture of the 2015/2016 season. The home side had hosted two preseason tournaments in which they performed well; unlike last season Congleton would feel confident going into the match against last season’s division 5 south winners.

In the first half there was a good contest between the two packs. Holmes Chapel’s youthful exuberance was matched well by Congleton’s experience and aggression. Early on Chapel fly half Mike Lightfoot put in some good kicks through to winger Alex Gormley and full back Jack Cottam. Unfortunately for the away team neither player was able to convert these opportunities into points. At the breakdown both sides were working hard to secure the ball for the backs, with young flankers Callum Grant-Smith and Joe Foulkes first to every ruck. Holmes Chapel were reduced to fourteen men when the referee judged experienced lock Mark McEnaney to have used his boot on the head of an opposition player. Despite his protests, the yellow card was shown. Before the break, it was clear to captain Dom Moss and coach Jon Stanway that more experience was needed in the front five. To achieve this veteran forward Jon Griffin was brought into the second row and his impact was immediate. Chapel began winning far more lineout ball and Griffin was also able to cross the line to score Chapel’s first try. This gave the visitors the impetus they needed. Griffins try was closely followed by another. Prolific prop Will Mitchell seized the ball for a quick tap and go and pushed his way through the Congleton defence to join Griffin on the scoresheet.

Holmes Chapel used their strong bench well and Finn O’Brien replaced Joe Maddock at outside centre and scored two tries. Captain Moss also got himself five points amongst others. In the second half Congleton were able to reply with three tries that highlighted some areas of improvement for Chapel; specifically first up tackles. The final whistle blew and Holmes Chapel were able to claim their first victory of the new season in the Freshlet Division Four South.

Captain Dom Moss picked out centre (and hooker) Rob Moore and second row Conor Gavin for stand out performances. He also urged players to continue training hard to make improvements and to give themselves the best chance of getting themselves on the team sheet for next week’s game against Lymm. Holmes Chapel would like to thank Congleton for the game and for their hospitality afterwards and look forward to seeing them at Station Road later in the year. Holmes Chapel face Lymm 4th XV on Saturday 12th September with a 15.00 kick off. They welcome all supporters and players to join them at the new Holmes Chapel Community Centre (formerly the AP club), Station Road.

Final Score: - Holmes Chapel 1st XV 42 – 20 Congleton 2nd XV