Holmes Chapel 1st XV overcame their local rivals from Knutsford in the A50 derby inspired by a hat-trick from scrum-half and former Captain Ed Meyrick and some fantastic defence led by Tom Chambers. Meyrick’s tries came on 2 minutes and 17 minutes, both scored after breaking down the blindside after a scrum (second try converted by Stewart Butters). Knutsford didn’t make life easy for the visitors but rarely threatened the Chapel try-line.

A third try came 10 minutes into the second half courtesy of a catch-and-drive with Chambers touching down at the back of the maul. A lapse in concentration let the home side register a score on 68 minutes but Chapel soon hit back through a penalty from Butters, extending the lead to 20-7. In injury time Meyrick completed his hat-trick and sealed the bonus point to cap off a good afternoon’s work for Mike Cottam’s men.

Tries: Ed Meyrick (3), Tom Chambers

Conversions: Stewart Butters

Penalty: Stewart Butters

Star Man: Ed Meyrick