Holmes Chapel 5 - 5 Prenton

The 1st XV faced Prenton at the weekend in a forward-dominated clash that ended in a draw. While both teams will feel they could have won the contest, a draw was arguably the fair result with neither side able to fully capitalise during the periods when they controlled territory and possession. Prenton fielded a very strong set of forwards, which secured them decent ball from the scrum, however Chapel won their fair share of possession thanks to a well-functioning lineout with Neil Almond accurate as ever.

Chapel missed an early penalty kick from Lee Cagna, but overall it was the visitors who had the brighter start as they threw everything into attack to try and make the early breakthrough. Fresh from a thrashing of Congleton the previous week, Prenton were clearly feeling confident of returning home with a victory and made most of the early running. Chapel's defence was equal to the challenge and eventually they managed to assert themselves on the game. Taking advantage of some ill-discipline from the visitors, Chapel were able to spend long periods in the opposition half. This time it was Prenton's turn to show strength in defence and each attack was unsuccessful as the half wound to a close. Towards the end of the first period, Prenton mounted a final attack, which led to them being awarded a penalty, however this sailed wide and the scores remained 0-0.

In the second half, Chapel continued to match their opponents up front, and tried to unleash the three-quarters more often. This caused some problems for the visitors, but their defence remained organised enough to prevent Chapel from taking the lead. It was Prenton to eventually drew first blood when they managed to work an overlap and their winger was given the space to score in the right hand corner of the pitch. The conversion was missed but in such a low scoring game a 5 point lead could have earned them the win. However, the setback seemed to spur the home side on and they piled on the pressure looking for a score of their own. Andy Fyffe was sending long, raking kicks deep into Prenton territory and this set up a great platform for Chapel to attack. The equalising try wasn't pretty but very welcome, as the Prenton lineout failed on their own 5 metre line and Mike Cottam claimed the loose ball and touched down to level the scores. The conversion was unsuccessful but Chapel were keen to push on and secure the victory. Despite their efforts, they were unable to put any further scores on the board, with the visitors holding out for the draw. One final penalty attempt from the halfway line could have snatched the game for Chapel but the kick fell short to leave honours even at Station Road.

Although disappointed not to have won, Chapel turned in a very committed performance against good opposition, who played their full part in a close contest. Fyffe's man of the match performance was much appreciated by his pack and Jack Baskerville also impressed once again after coming on as an early replacement. The season continues this Saturday when the 1st XV travel to Ellesmere Port for another league match.

The 2nd XV recorded a resounding 110-12 win over Carrington at Holmes Chapel Leisure Centre for their second victory of the season. Second row Dan Martin claimed a hat-trick for Garry Cottam's men, who travel to Whitchurch at the weekend.

Holmes Chapel RUFC would like to thank Wymans Ltd and Hopeweiser Ltd for their continued support.