Hard Earned Victory Keeps Chapel Top Of The League

With just 2 games left until Christmas Chapel were looking to stay top of the league by beating Liverpool Collegiate. Chapel knew this away game would be difficult as the home side had come down from the league above.
Chapel started a bit hesitantly with a few dropped balls and poor rucking which led to turnover balls. This allowed the home side to apply the pressure and one of their big forwards to power over and score the first try of the game, conversion missed. Chapel responded well and soon took control of the game. The boys in blue upped their work rate at the ruck with forwards and backs getting stuck in together to give scrum half Andy Davies clean ball. The forwards were retaining the ball well and making good yards with their carries, Joe Foulkes and Dan Martin doing excellent work on the floor to protect the ball. Chapel edged into the opposition's 22 and it wasn't long until the pressure told as a penalty was given away. With the advantage, Mike Lightfoot called for the ball and ran a lovely switch move with stand in centre Dave Steer. Steer was able to slice through the Liverpool defence and score. Davies adding the extras. The game was hard fought, and both teams had plenty of the ball. Half time and the score was close, only 2 points in it at 5-7.
Conor Gavin entered the field at half time and had an immediate impact with some trade mark big carries. A half break saw Jim Moss stopped a meter short and Chapel kept the pressure up for the first part of the second half. Mike Lightfoot also making a nice break put the away team on the back foot, but some excellent defence meant Chapel couldn't turn the pressure into points. Chapel reverting back to basics started to attack direct from the 9. Luke Cheetham taking the ball direct from a ruck and forcing his way up the pitch before Sub Conor Gavin picked up the ball and powered through the away sides defence to score the second try of the game. Davies again adding the extras. Liverpool keen to get back into the game, had pressure of their own and it was now Chapels time to defend. The defence held firm with a great try saving tackle from winger Harry Dyson. Full time 5-14.
A very tough game for Chapel but the work rate from the lads was great. Thanks to Liverpool for a great game and hospitality. Man of the Match was Conor Gavin who impressed off the bench.