Chapel Extend Winning Streak to 7

Thanks to Ed Chappell.

First Half
It was a cold, windy day as Holmes Chapel made a visit to Northwich RUFC. The boys had really put a stamp on this league, having worked hard in training in the week to learn from mistakes that were made against Crewe & Nantwich the week prior.
The game kicked off, and Northwich received. Both teams were up for this game, putting in some big hits and both sets of players using the forwards effectively. Northwich 2s good wide play saw the Chapel line broken and left the defence scrambling. The ball was quickly shipped out wide for the young Northwich winger to take the first points of the game. Conversion Kicked, 7-0.
The game kicked off and it played as it had previously, both sets of forwards getting stuck into every ruck and trying to break the opposition gain line. Chapel were struggling as they tried to play some fancy Rugby, but knock-ons and missed passes punished the side with Northwich quick to collect the ball from the turf. Another great wide ball from Northwich saw them enter the Chapel 22 again, and this gave them enough momentum to crash it over the line. Conversion Kicked, 14-0.
Chapel came back at them, determined to put wrong their rights from the first half. Their efforts were valiant, with Harry Dyson coming close, but they weren’t to be rewarded as the first half ended 14-0 to Northwich 2s.
Second Half
The HC boys all knew that they had to change something, or this game could and would become a cricket score. The mistakes were needed to be cut out, and safe, simple rugby to be played.
Chapel received for the second half, and the team immediately put into action their plan to get back into the game. Mike Lightfoot took command of the attack, calling blues and yellows wherever he saw fit to build the structure. The ball ended up in Northwich’s hands after a spillage, which caused them to put pressure on the defensive line. 5 metres from Chapel’s try line, the ball was held on and a try awarded to Chapel. One of the Northwich players got a bit hot headed, and was shown the red card for three punches.
Now was Chapel’s chance to take control of the game. The one man advantage would prove crucial to the comeback. Coach Johnathan Stanway saw the opportunity to put on some fresh legs to stretch the Northwich defence, bringing on Mark McEnaney and Ed Chappell in place of Conor Gavin and Sam Cook, who both played their part in the defensive efforts just before the red card.
The game kicked off again from a penalty, and Chapel got to work. Structured, free-flowing Rugby saw Dave Steer break the Northwich defence. The ball was kept and quickly shipped to the backs, before Harry Dyson took the ball over with some quick feet for Chapel’s first scored of the game. Conversion missed, 14-5.
The ball was kicked back to Chapel once more, they were determined now to get back into it. Much of the same Rugby followed and Northwich couldn’t cope with being a man down. Some great play between Dom Moss and Tom Chambers saw the latter take the ball over for Chapel’s second try in 5 minutes. Conversion kicked by Andy Davies, 14-12.
Northwich weren’t giving up. The kick off came and the pressure was on. Despite having the one man advantage, Chapel became too comfortable, as they had done in the first half. A spilled ball saw the Northwich defence scoop up the ball and come at us. The defence was tight, and experienced Centre Jim Moss won the ball back. The ball was passed back to Mike Lightfoot, who unfortunately let it slip for a Northwich defender to pounce on and score. Conversion kicked, 21-12.
Chapel weren’t giving up there. Kick back to Northwich. A steal in the lineout saw Chapel with the ball in space. It was shipped between the centres, a couple of yellows was all it took for the ball to come back into Harry Dyson’s hands for his second try of the afternoon. Conversion kicked by Andy Davies, 21-19.
15 minutes to go, one last push. Northwich were determined not to lose this lead they had kept all game. Every lineout and every ruck was hard fought for, neither team were taking any prisoners. Last play came from a lineout, Northwich win the ball and take it in hand. They see an opportunity to kill the game and ship out to the backs, only for the ball to get turned over by centre Jim Moss in the centre. Chapel take it quick, the ball is passed wide to Mark McEnaney, then to Dave Steer. There’s a gap in the centre and its Tom Chambers who comes running in. He takes it through the Northwich defence, around the Full-back and across the white-wash to win Holmes Chapel the game. An Andy Davies conversion increased their points tally for the afternoon. Full time, Northwich 2s 21-26 Holmes Chapel 1s.
Dom Moss had to say “We didn’t make it easy on ourselves, but even the best teams in the best leagues need to grind out these difficult wins against some good opposition. Everyone played their part today to help turn the game around and we can reap the rewards by taking maximum points. Thanks to the Northwich lads for welcoming us down and giving us a great game of Rugby”.