Weather No Obstacle

Saturday saw Holmes Chapel travel to New Brighton. With the weather making pitches unplayable at home the conditions were surprisingly good on the Wirral. When a side makes 5 changes to their team from the previous week you'd expect a slight drop in performance and a few issues throughout the game. This was not the case which is credit to Holmes Chapel’s growing pool of talent. This week saw regular 1st teamers Rob Moore, Tom Chambers, Stewart Butters and Harry Snape all missing. However, strength in depth allowed the recall of Andrew Davies, Joe Foulkes, Michael Lightfoot and Ally Lightfoot to 1st team action.

New Brighton were by far the more physically imposing team, however, Chapel’s confidence was high after 3 wins in a row and they backed their skill and fitness.

The game started a very even affair with the game staying in the midfield. Both teams were keeping it simple and testing out the others defence around the fringe. New Brighton were enjoying the majority of the possession, however most of it was within their own half. Chapel’s defence was looking fierce and was being led by flankers David steer and Joe Foulkes. It wasn't long before this would pay dividends for HC. A turnover from captain Dom Moss allowed the ball to be shipped wide through fast hands. Some lovely link up play from winger Mark Stuart set up centre Luke Blagbrough who was able to power under the posts. Chapel maintained the pressure but were unable to convert it to more points. Second row Dan Martin was harshly yellow carded and the boys in blue and yellow were down to 14 men. New Brighton were able to eventually wear down the away side’s defence and break through near the posts. Chapel replied in an instant as a lovely chip over the top from fly half Michael Lightfoot allowed winger Mark Stuart to pounce. Just as Dan Martin returned number 8 Conor Gavin was yellow carded for a late tackle, meaning the away side were set to play at least a quarter of the game a man down. The score going in at half time was 5-12 to the away side.

Coach Johnathon Stanway issued his tactical adjustments and these worked wonders for the away side.

The boys in blue were on the front foot straight away. A half break from centre Joe Baskerville put the home sides defence on the back foot. A powerful carry from Joe Foulkes got the score board ticking again. Chapel’s huge defensive shift was taking the wind from the New Brighton sails and Chapel were able to control the game from now on. Super sub Kyran Davies was introduced with 25 minutes to go and just like last week his first touch resulted in a score and 5 points. Brother Andrewe Davies chipped though and Kyran’s lightning pace allowed him to latch onto the kick before finishing neatly. Chapel’s pack had dominated throughout with set pieces, in particular the scrum, causing New Brighton all kinds of issues. The game finished 5-22 and chapel made it 4 wins in 4 which propelled them to 3rd in the table.

This was a fantastic away performance which was well structured and ruthless. Chapel’s impressive defence is making them a very hard side to break down, and this effort was optimised by Man of the Match David Steer who has set the tone defensively for the past few weeks.