Holmes Chapel 1st XV recorded their first win of the season, and it was made all the better as it came against local rivals Congleton. It was the visitors however who started the stronger and stormed into a 15-0 lead, making the most of Chapel mistakes and showing some pace and power in the backs to score 2 tries (1 converted) and a penalty. Chapel put their first points on the board before half time when flanker Tom Chambers bulldozed over the line following a catch and drive (conversion added by Stewart Butters).

In the second half Chapel were again guilty of starting slowly and Congleton took full advantage by scoring their 3rd try (unconverted) to go 20-7 ahead. Staring defeat in the face, Chapel rallied in the final quarter and finally started to play the rugby they are capable of. Mike Lightfoot was controlling the game from outside-half and kept the home side in their opponents' half. This dominance of possession and territory led to a second try from Chambers, and an excellent finish from Tom Lowe after great work by Ed O'Hare and Jim Bowbeer (both tries unconverted). Victory was sealed with a try in the corner and Butters added the conversion to maintain Chapel's impressive record against their neighbours.

Tries: Tom Chambers (2), Tom Lowe

Conversions: Stewart Butters (2)

Star Man: Tom Chambers

Next week Chapel travel to Ellesmere Port and will look to build a winning run to climb up the table.