This weeks visitors to Station Road were Crewe and Nantwich 2nd XV. With the sun shining both teams were out early and ready for this one! Crewe and Nantwich had picked a few good wins in recent games so Chapel knew this would be a tough one as they looked across the field.

The game kicked off - Chapel with the kick and chase. This lead to some initial pressure from the away team which Chapel managed to absorb. From their the home side soon found their structure which had been so effective in recent games and began to set the pace with some wide expansive play. This pressure eventually leading to skipper Dom Moss capitalising for the first score. Andy Davies with the conversion 7-0 to Chapel.

There was no time to switch off as they knew C&N would come back strong. After some heavy pressure from the C&N pack they managed to get the ball out to a pacey back who slivered through the defence for the equalising score. Perhaps the kick up the back side the Chapel boys needed as this was never going to be an easy contest.

7-7 at the break!

The game got underway for the second half Chapel receiving - the ball well caught by Chapel youngster Sam Cooke who had great game at hooker. His first full 80 minutes for the 1’s. Chapel began to get in to their rhythm - granted there were a few niggley handling areas here and there but the boys were trying all the right things and they knew it was coming. Soon enough it did, with number 8 Dave Steer crashing over the line after some great support play in attack. 14-7.

C&N were not done yet though. With some heavy pressure and gaps in the Chapel defence - one of the forwards managed to break the line and stretch over. With the kick added it was now all square. 14-14.

Chapel wanted this one and they always felt like it was a game they could take so they weren’t going to lie down. They soon got back to work and concentrated on retaining possession and securing set pieces. With some reshuffling in the pack they were now able to match the powerful C&N scrum and began to contest at line out with some stolen ball and effective mauling. It was through this pressure from the pack the second row Conor Gavin was able to clinch it for the lads! With some strong determined play! 21-14 to Chapel!

This was a great battle in perfect conditions. A good up front contest and determination to win shown from both sides. We look forward to seeing Crewe and Nantwich at their place.