On a cracking day for rugby, Holmes Chapel 1st XV entertained Congleton 2nd XV at Station Road last weekend. The crowd had already watched the Chapel Ancients take on Purley John Fisher Vets and were ready for a full-blooded local derby. Chapel and Congleton had met twice this season (once in the league and once in the cup), each time the Blue & Gold emerging victorious. However, the opposition had always made it very difficult and this match was to be no exception.

The big Congleton pack started well, putting on pressure in the scrums and at close quarters. The opening exchanges were typical of a local derby; scrappy and nervous with neither side wanting to give an inch. Eventually, Chapel picked up the first score of the game when Jack Cottam crossed the whitewash and Andy Davies converted. Soon afterwards, Bob Hamilton crashed over the line following good work from the pack to secure the ball (conversion added by Davies). A third try came courtesy of captain Dom Moss. The home pack had driven through their opposite numbers from a lineout and Moss peeled off to toush down under the posts. Davies converted the try and Chapel held a healthy lead of 21-0 at the interval.

The second half looked like it would go much the same way when Mike Lightfoot gathered the ball in midfield before popping it to Luke Day who cantered through unopposed to score Chapel's fourth try of the afternoon. Again this was converted by Davies and the home side led 28-0. However, instead of kicking on and increasing the lead, Chapel were guilty of letting their foot off the gas and their play became increasingly sloppy. Missed tackles, penalties and poor decision making meant it was the visitors who started to control possession and territory. To give Congleton credit, they also stepped up their performance as the half went on and began to play some decent rugby. After crossing for 2 quick scores, the away team sensed they could pull off a shock comeback and Chapel were struggling to regain their usual form. Another Congleton try made it 28-19 and as the minutes ticked away they continued to pile on the pressure. Despite some good defence from the home side, Congleton did manage to add a further consolation try with the last play of the game to make the final score 28-24.

So all in all, not one of the finest performances in a long season for the Chapel lads. However it did turn out to be good enough to beat our neighbours for the third time in this campaign. Well played Congleton and all the best for next season.

Holmes Chapel RUFC would like to thank Eden Global Associates for their generous matchday sponsorship.

We would also like to thank all club sponsors for their continued support.