Holmes Chapel travelled to Crewe and Nantwich with the intent of extending their unbeaten run to nine games. A strong Crewe & Nantwich side stood in their way with some new faces in their side which would make this fixture a much tougher test than that played earlier in the season.
The game started with some ferocious carries from either side. Crewe & Nantwich managed to push into Holmes Chapel’s 22 and earnt a penalty after some “creative” rucking from the Holmes Chapel pack. Their number 10 slotted the kick under the post and the home side took an early lead.
Holmes Chapel struck back strongly with a good spurt of possession. A solid set piece led to some clean back moves giving opportunities to Bob Hamilton & Andy Davies to kick into the corners and gain position 10 metres from the try line. A slick line-out move gave powerhouse Daisy Mitchell to run hard in-between two defenders and stormed over the line for Chapel’s first score. Daisy started to salivate and was now hungry for more. Andy Davies slotted a nice conversion near the left touchline.
Chapel spurred on from this try instantly started to attack back with strong carries from covering centre Tom Chambers and blustering number 8 Conor Gavin. Chapel moved to well within the opposition 5-metre line (a position they would feel comfortable in for the rest of the game) and the forwards took control. Some good carries were followed by Mark McEnaney driving over the line. The Crewe & Nantwich pack could not hold-off the onslaught on their try line by the Chapel pack. Andy Davies slotted conversion and Chapel went to the break with a 14-3 lead.
Chapel started the second half just as they had finished the 1st. Some good pressure on the Crewe & Nantwich line and this time it was Dan Martin’s turn to drive over the line to reward him for another impressive performance in the lock. Andy Davies again slotted the conversion to make the score 21-3. Crewe & Nantwich weren’t going to take this lying down however and a yellow card to dynamic forward Joe Foulkes allowed the momentum of the match to switch in the home side’s favour. Chapel were unable to retain the ball and Crewe and Nantwich scored 4 impressive break away tries in the space of 15 minutes, utilising the man-advantage and pacey men out wide. Chapel had lost their lead and the score now sat at 25-21 to Crewe & Nantwich, with 10 minutes left to make amends.
With Joe Foulkes back after a quick breather and some fresh legs, the Chapel side were revitalised, and they attacked with intent. A strong carry from the tryless Tom Chambers brought Chapel to within a few metres of the opposition line. Daisy Mitchell gathered the ball from the back of the ruck and drove through 2 defenders to score his second & give Chapel the lead. Andy Davies nailed the conversion to give Chapel a lead of 28-21 with 7 minutes remaining.
Crewe and Nantwich kicked off, and the man of the match Daisy Mitchell took a great catch over his shoulder whilst running backwards. He turned and made a clean break to give Chapel a good position. A neat kick from Andy Davies was followed by a strong chase from the back line. This led to panic from the Crewe & Nantwich back three, and the winger through a pass straight into the hands of Andy Davies who sprinted 40 metres into the corner to secure the win, he did however miss the conversion to ruin his 100% off the tee so far. Chapel victorious 33-21.
A fantastic performance from Chapel, mutually decided on the side-line as the best of the season so far. Skipper Dom Moss highlighted a phenomenal defensive effort, and great team composure in the opposition 22 that led to the vital victory to extend their lead at the top of the table.