Holmes Chapel 1st XV posted a comfortable win last Saturday, playing some of the best rugby they have produced since the early stages of the season. There were several changes from the side that drew at Oldershaw, and Chapel knew that against one of the toughest packs in the league they would have to show the same levels of commitment throughout the match if they wanted another positive result.

The match started well for Chapel as they dominated the early exchanges. A solid scrum was giving the backs a platform to launch attacks and after only 7 minutes Paddy Kennedy broke through the defence and had enough pace and strength to hold off the full back and score in the corner (conversion missed). The lead was extended after 15 minutes when Doug Canavan slotted a penalty after Prenton were caught offside at a ruck. The away side narrowed the deficit with a penalty following a Chapel infringement at a line-out to send a message that they were still very much in the game. Chapel managed to get back into Prenton territory, and after the Prenton loosehead prop needlessly got himself sinbinned for charging into some "handbags at 10 paces" right in front of the referee they extended the lead with another try from Kennedy (conversion missed). Chapel got even more breathing space before half time when Flood, who was having an impressive game, drove over from the back of a ruck to score the third try of the match. The conversion again sailed wide but Chapel held an 18-3 lead at the break.

After only 3 minutes of the second half, Prenton's chances of getting back in the game were severly reduced when one of their players aimed a ridiculous kick at one of his opponents, leaving the referee no choice but to show a red card. Despite the man advantage, Chapel struggled to get going until the final quarter of the game when they started to cut loose and pile on the points. The backs were starting to enjoy themselves, and some incisive running and passing from Kennedy and Matt Bowden created an opportunity for Lee Cagna to touch down in the left corner (conversion missed). Kennedy sealed his hat trick when Chapel attacked straight from the restart and more strong running from the three-quarters saw him extend the lead, Canavan successfully converting. Chapel welcomed debutant John Shuff into the fray and he went into the second row to add his strength to the scrum. With 5 minutes to go, Ed Meyrick made a break and offloaded out of the tackle to Jon Griffin in support. The defence opened up in front of him and although Griffin lacked the pace to beat the full-back, Ed O'Hare raced up to gather the offload and score under the posts (conversion added). Chapel still had time to score one final try, when Meyrick broke a tackle at the side of a ruck and scored beneath the posts. Canavan added the simple conversion to make the final score 44-3 and seal a very satisfactory afternoon for the home side.

Chapel travel to St Edwards next week, with the 2nd XV taking on Buxton at Station Road - all spectators welcome.

Holmes Chapel RUFC would like to thank Pochins, Wymans, and AUF Leasing for their continued support.