Squad Effort Gives Chapel The Points

The game on Saturday was rearranged at fairly short notice as the pitch at station road had suffered after the weeks downpours. The weather had not changed for the better but many players and spectators still turned out to see the game between two teams close in geographical location, but not in league position. Holmes Chapel knew that Sandbach have potential to be a dangerous side; having previously between Whitchurch, one of the few sides to get the better of Holmes Chapel this season.

The game started off at a frantic pace and both sides were clearly up for it. The Holmes Chapel team was being literally led from the front with tighthead prop Dave Steer putting in some bone-crunching tackles and loosehead prop Ed Chappell turning over some good ball in rucks. The first score of the game came from the backline however, as prolific centre (winger and fullback) Jed Wragg beat his opposite man to skip over the try line. The cold and wet supporters did not have to wait long for a follow up to the opening score as Captain and flanker Dom Moss found himself up against the Sandbach full back with support. Moss dummied as if to pass to the supporting Callum Grant-Smith, but instead kept the ball and stepped round the opposite shoulder of the man in green. Moss had just the footrace to win. He reached the try line just a nose in front and put the ball down for Chapel’s second try of the game. The first half did not go all Chapel’s way and Sandbach were able to come back with a try of their own; pushing a maul over from five yards out. This score was converted to give Sandbach the only seven points they would score throughout the full eighty minutes.

The second half continued much in the same way, albeit with slightly more rain and wind. Chapel made use of their experienced and vast bench. Former captain and returning traveller Tom Chambers returned to the Chapel back row after spending nearly nine months away from the club on a voyage of self-discovery. Holmes Chapel were able to keep lots of possession during the second half and the back line were able to exert their influence on the Sandbach defence. Tries from Dave Steer and a completed hat-trick from Wragg led Chapel to win the match by a forty point margin. Final score Sandbach 3rd XV 7-47 Holmes Chapel 1st XV. The man of the match award went to hooker Neil Almond for a trademark excellent display more suited to a man half his age. Holmes Chapel would like to thank all of the supporters for standing out in the wind and rain and all of our sponsors for their continued support. Next Saturday sees Holmes Chapel travel up the M6 to Lymm. The boys will be warming up in their father Christmas hats and donating money to support the charity Joining Jack (in aid of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy). We hope you can join us in this to raise money for a great cause.