1st XV
Matches
Sat 17 Feb 2018  ·  Division 2 South
Winnington Park 2
21
27
Holmes Chapel RUFC
1st XV
Tries: C Gavin (2), D Martin, D Steer, M McEnaneyConversions: J Maddock
A Tale of Two Halves

A Tale of Two Halves

Matthew Griffiths19 Feb 2018 - 16:18
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Dan Martin leads way with Man of the Match performance

This Saturday Chapel travelled to mid table side Winnington park. After the close reverse fixture, Chapel knew they were in for a tough encounter.

From the start, the home side took charge and Chapel were under pressure from the off. Winnington's scrum half was causing Chapel issues around the break down and Chapel’s defence wasn't as solid as it has been. Despite the lack of possession, mike Lightfoot and Joe Maddock were controlling the territory well with the boot. A break from the home sides lively 9 set up the first try just 10 minutes into the half. This kicked a bit of life into Chapel and they managed to get their hands on the ball. The Chapel backs were seeing plenty of the ball but centres Luke Blagbrough and Harry Snape were unable to break through a set Winnington defence. The game was seemingly bypassing the Chapel pack, with exception to second row Dan Martin who was seeing plenty of the ball. A well-constructed Chapel attack enabled big number 8 Conor Gavin to power over from 3 yards out to get Chapel’s first score of the day. The home side continued to dominate possession and points were deterred only for the work of Joe Foulkes around the breakdown. Winnington were able to breach the Chapel defensive line again before half time, taking the scores to 14-5 at HT.

Coach Mike Cottam rallied the lads and a slight change of tactic was to be crucial for the second half.

Chapel’s pack had their orders to up their contribution. This change of tactic worked instantly, some big carries from the Chapel pack left holes in the defensive line. Second row Dan Martin bullishly forced his way over 2 minutes into the half. The momentum was now in the away side’s favour and they maintained the pressure. A half break allowed Tom Chambers to latch onto an offload and race under the posts to score. Chapel made a number of changes, all adding something to the game. Returning centre Jim Moss came on and added intensity to the Chapel defence and Ally Lightfoot stepped into number 9 with the aim of controlling the emerging Chapel pack. He took control of his pack straight away and moved the defence about with some big crashes from Will Mitchell and winger Joe Baskerville. The Chapel pack now dominating and seeing most of the ball, which meant when fly half Mike Lightfoot got the ball his back line had space to attack. 3 excellent breaks were almost certain tries but for 3 dropped balls just 5 yards out. Inaccuracies meant Chapel were unable to extend their lead. Chapel didn't allow their heads to drop and maintained the pressure. The Winnington side had plenty of talented players and this was evident on the counter attack. A couple of last ditch tackles stopping the home side from regaining the lead. It wasn't long before one of the home sides breaks lead to points meaning they were able to retake the lead, 21-17. Chapel were determined to make their superior 2nd half possession and territory tell. David Steer after some lovely interplay with Joe Baskerville was able to score nicely in the corner to drag Chapel back into the lead. This was almost instantly followed by a try from big second row Mark Mcenaney. Chapel now had a 21-27 lead with just 10 minutes to go. Some missed penalty kicks meant Chapel weren't able to finish the game in a comfortable position, however, their resolute play meant they were able to finish the game with a hard fought win.

Chapel will be happy with their second half performance but will feel lots of points were left on the field. Man of the Match went to Dan Martin who was superb throughout, especially with the ball in hand.

Match details

Match date

Sat 17 Feb 2018

Kickoff

14:15

Competition

Division 2 South

League position

4
Holmes Chapel 1
9
Winnington Park 2
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Main Sponsor - The Kinderton
Shirt Sponsor - BTP Architects
Shirt Sponsor - Elixir
Shirt Sponsor - Bubblitex
Shirt Sponsor - Holmes Chapel Fencing & Sheds
Shirt Sponsor - Zachary Daniels
Website Sponsor - Debra