Travel Disappointment For The Villagers

Before the game started both teams knew this was going to be a close one, with both teams showing similar form in the league this season.
The game started at a very high intensity with the ball expertly taken and spun out across the Chapel attacking line. This led to some sustained pressure from the boys which seemed only to further gee up the Chester side. They eventually broke through the midfield for the first score of the match. The Holmes Chapel lads felt like this score was unjustified given their bright start, however as they are quickly finding out – any mistake at this level is costly.
From there, the boys took the game back to Chester. Chapel worked their way up to the opposition 22 where they awarded a line out. From there they used their 4-man lineout which has already proved effective this season. The ball was carried in hard by Conor Gavin where he was met with an equally big tackle from the Chester defender. From there the ball was turned over and fired up in the air from a kick from the defence. This was comfortably caught by Stuart Butters who then ran the ball back over the line from 25 yards out. The scores were now tied at (5-5).
Following on from there Chapel had caused another line out in the same position again. Only this time the plan was to take the ball wide with Conor Gavin popping the ball to Rob Moore before he shifted it along the back line – which worked its way through the hands to the winger Ally Lightfoot – who finished off an excellent team try. Stu Butters added the extras this time. Chapel took the lead at 12-5.
Again, Chester rallied back and took the game to Chapel. They managed to squeeze another man through the defensive line to crash over just before half time. Even again 12 – 12.
During the talk at half time, Holmes Chapel knew they were well in this match and the next score would be crucial. Unfortunately, it was Chester who were clinical again off the back on a mistake in the attacking line. This was to be the tail of the half as Chester finished every opportunity they were given. Their young, nimble side could capitalise on the tired legs of Chapel that were being weighed down in the mud.
It was a battle to the end – but Chester eventually ran away with it. There was a brief element of pride restoration when David Steer managed to drive the ball home for the final score of the match. Too little too late however. Chester winning the game 33-19. All in all, though the score doesn’t necessarily reflect how close Chapel were to potentially win this one. There were some positive things to come from this match. They just need to build on this now going in to the rest of the season.