Chapel 1st XV Chalk Up Another 5 Points

1st Half

The Holmes Chapel boys improved on their victory over Didsbury Toc H from the previous week by putting in another strong and resolute performance by putting a score of 24-12 past hosts Liverpool Collegiate to leapfrog them in the Division 2 South table.
The game started out with a strong win in favour of the hosts, which they attempted to use to their advantage. One careless penalty was given away by Chapel which gave the hosts opportunity to kick their way into the lead. Fortunately for us, they missed, which started a counter-attack towards the other end of the pitch led by full-back Jack Cottam and forwards Dave Steer and Harry Snape. A penalty conceded by Liverpool Collegiate gave Jack Cottam the chance to kick through the sticks, which he coolly slotted to give Chapel an early 3 point lead.
The game restarted, with the ball exchanging hands with each side multiple times via knock-ons or turnovers. The forwards contest was mighty, with Ally Lightfoot, Fred Joyce and Haydon Tunney all impressing at the break-down. A turnover in possession saw the opportunity for the backs to ship the ball out wide, where Winger Luke Cheetham weaved his way through the defence to score a brilliant solo goal. Jack Cottam kicked the points, 0-10.
Once again, another fierce contest in the rucks, scrums and line-outs saw our forwards having to dig deep to keep the scores level. Another great turnover by Neil Almond saw another opportunity open to play the ball wide. This time Luke Cheetham and Jed Wragg linked up really well to break through the defence and score Chapel’s second try of the game. Jack Cottam kicked the points, 0-17, half time.

2nd Half

Chapel were on the up but Liverpool Collegiate weren’t just about to roll over and back down. The forwards were seeing plenty of crash ball, and Chapel weren’t giving them enough respect by giving away silly penalties. Some good work from Liverpool Collegiate via two lots of crash ball play saw them score two quick tries. One conversion was missed, 12-17.
More pressure coming from the Collegiate forwards saw Chapel looking for an answer to take the game back in their hands. A solid 10 minutes of play saw Dave Steer, Luke Cheetham and Harry Snape break the defensive line. It was 3 v 1 and sure to score the winning try, were it not for the Liverpool Collegiate Full-Back committing a deliberate knock-on late on in the game.
In the last play of the game, Chapel found themselves just inside the opposition’s 5 metre line. A quick lineout followed by a strong maul saw Second Row Mark McEnaney take the ball over the line for his first try of the season. Conversion kicked, 12-24, full time.

Captain Dave Steer made the following post-match comments.
“At times we really had to dig deep and I think everyone should be happy of the work rate they put in today. We never faltered and we never stopped giving. It was a great victory to chalk up and we can go home knowing we’ve done each other proud.”

Man of the match went to Ally Lightfoot, for his ruthlessness in attack and defence playing as a Flanker. Special mentions also go to Ed Chappell, Haydon Tunney, Fred Joyce and Luke Cheetham for the sheer effort they put in all over the pitch.
Holmes Chapel would like to thank Liverpool Collegiate for a well fought and good spirited game.