Chapel Hit Top Form After World Cup Break

Always a tough fixture against any Northwich side and Chapel knew they'd have to be near their best to come away with the spoils on Saturday.

A bright start from the home side was just what they needed, the forward pack winning good early ball as Chapel scored first out wide thanks to a Jed Wragg effort and then some neat offloading saw Callum Grant-Smith take the ball forward and beat the oncoming Northwich defence for the homeside's second try. Andy Davies and his trusty boot adding the extras to give Chapel a 14-0 cushion.

Northwich were determined to get back into the game and that's exactly what they did, some good rucking front gave them the territory and they scored a neat converted try and were right back in it. The Chapel forwards knew they'd have to wake up. It was left to Conor Gavin to lead the way as the big lock forward crashed through a number of defenders to score and put the momentum back with the home side.

The pressure continued and it wasn't long before the wise old head of Jon Griffin found himself with ball in hand near the try line, his old legs and body just about getting him there for yet another converted try. As half time approached Chapel worked a back move out wide and pacey winger Tom Lowe scored again in the corner, Davies unable to land the conversion this time with a rare miss.

Half time
Holmes Chapel RUFC 33 Northwich RUFC 7

With a considerable cushion behind them Chapel were looking to continue in the same vein in the second half, the backs again throwing the ball wide for another Tom Lowe score, this time converted by Davies. The pressure continued with Captain Dom Moss taking the ball forward and another exquisite off load to the impressive Luke Day who powered through to extend the lead further. It was then veteran hooker Neil Almond's turn to roll back the years, even throwing in a side step for another try.

Northwich are not a team to give up and they showed true determination, again led by their forward effort as they rumbled up field and crashed through the home teams defence once again. Chapel did have time for one more effort and Luke Day was on hand for his second try of the day to leave it 59-14 at full time.

Captain Dom Moss said, "all in all a good day's rugby from the lads, we showed what we can do with ball in hand, we need to work on our concentration, but a great result for us in the end."

Holmes Chapel RUFC would like to thank Northwich for a game played in great spirit and also club Sponsor Pochin. Next week, it's cup action for the villagers as they entertain Capenhurst RUFC, 2.15pm kick off at Station Road, all support would be extremely welcome.