Chapel Edge Past 3rd Place Helsby

This was 2nd v 3rd so was sure to be a tough game. With the wind behind them, the visitors started well. They were keeping chapel pinned back in their half only for some excellent defensive work from centres Jim Moss and Bob Hamilton. A penalty allowed Helsby to take the first 3 points of the day. This kicked Chapel into gear and some extended pressure from the chapel pack allowed Tom chambers to power over from 3 yards out. A turn over from captain Dom Moss allowed Mike Lightfoot to knock the ball right into the corner. A well worked lineout move put Tom Chambers through a gap for his second try of the game. Chapel looked well in control at this point. However, 25 minutes in to the game it all became scrappy with both sides getting involved in off the ball incidents rather than focusing on the game. Helsby were able to get themselves on the scoresheet just before half time after a period of pressure inside the Chapel 22.
Mike Cottam issued his instructions at HT and the boys were keen to refocus on the rugby.
The second half was very much like the last 15 of the first; scrappy with errors and a lot of handbags. This meant both teams weren't able to produce any periods of positive play. A well worked move by Chapel allowed winger Joe Baskerville to finish excellently in the corner. Following this a brawl erupted which led to a red for Michael Lightfoot and a yellow for Helsby. The referee handled the game well but found it difficult to keep his cards in his pocket with ill-discipline from both sides. Despite their mixed attacking performance, Chapel had defended excellently throughout and never looked like losing this game.
Chapel came off a bit deflated at being dragged into a niggly game and felt they left a lot of points on the pitch. Shows how far the lads have come, disappointed at beating 3rd in the league. Man of the Match went to second row Mark McEnaney who was impressive on his return to the 1st XV.