First Team Return To Winning Ways

This weekend Chapel took on Widnes at home. Their previous fixtures suggested this would be a tough, close game. Chapel were forced into a few changes with a couple of backs suspended and a few unavailable.
The game started with both teams looking to take control. Chapel had a frantic 5 minutes before gaining composure and taking control of possession. The Chapel forwards were carrying well and we're making steady yards against a solid Widnes defence. Chapels ball retention was excellent and a string of penalties from Widnes allowed Chapel to maintain pressure. A kick into the corner and a well worked lineout move led to a rolling maul try, scored by Dave steer but was very much a collective effort. Some excellent defensive work from centres Jim Moss and Tom chambers were keeping the Widnes attacks at bay. An overthrown Chapel lineout gifted Widnes an opportunity and their strong forwards were able to force their way through the Chapel defence to and score. Chapel 5-7 Widnes.
Half time came and the instructions were issued. Chapel thought that they'd controlled the majority of the possession but knew Widnes would not let them through easily.
The arm wrestle continued with neither team giving away any easy possession and both sides fronting up in defence. Andy Davies and Harry Dyson were linking well and Chapel were looking to stretch the Widnes team but gaps weren't easy to find. A penalty for the away side put them 5 points up with 20 minutes to go. Chapel would have to dig deep to get the win. Chapel made 3 changes with Paddy Murphy coming on for his debut in the back row. He instantly made an impact putting some big hits in. Chapel started to take control of possession again and were able to put a number of phases together. Another penalty allowed Andy Davies to nudge into the corner. A carbon copy of Chape'ls first try allowed Dave Steer to place the ball after a rolling maul. Again, credit goes to all the pack for their set piece play. Davies slotted the 2, taking the match to 12-10. Some very good defence from the back line allowed Chapel to see out the game and pick up a much needed win after last week's loss.
A very tough game against the best defensive side Chapel had faced so far this year. We were able to show our quality in depth with so many players missing but still able to put in an excellent performance. Man of the Match went to Ed Chappell who was solid in defence and ran some excellent support lines in attack.