Holmes Chapel 60 - 26 Knutsford

A brilliant performance from Holmes Chapel 1st XV saw them record another victory in South Lancashire & Cheshire 3, and make it 4 wins out of 4 against their local rivals from Knutsford. Chapel had gone 2 weeks without a fixture but they brushed aside any rustiness to move up to joint 3rd in the table. They welcomed back Paddy Kennedy after injury and he lined up alongside Matt Bowden in the centres.

Chapel started well, putting early pressure on the visitors and soon opened the scoring with a Doug Canavan penalty. However, with only 5 minutes gone Knutsford scored the first try of the match when they charged down a clearance kick leaving a simple finish (conversion missed). Despite this setback, Chapel remained confident and continued to attack at every opportunity, swiftly regaining the lead through another Canavan penalty. After 15 minutes the home side opened their try scoring account when Lee Cagna drifted through the defensive line after a neat dummy and dived over for the try. Canavan was unable to add the conversion but the lead was extended only 2 minutes later when Kennedy used his pace to score beneath the posts (conversion added). The third try followed 10 minutes later when the backs made the most of good possession to send Kennedy over for a second time (conversion added). Chapel’s impressive first half continued when Bowden forced his way over for another converted try. Knutsford managed to put some pressure on the home side before half time but strong defence led by Mark Mcenaney and Mike Cottam stopped them from crossing the line.

Chapel all but secured victory within 5 minutes of the second half when hooker Neil Almond raced through a gap to score. Canavan continued his good form with the boot to slot the conversion and make the score 39-5. Chapel’s scoring spree continued when some good driving by the forwards led to Cottam ploughing over the line for try number 6, again converted by Canavan. Chapel seemed to take their foot of the gas after Cottam’s try and this allowed Knutsford to grab a couple of consolation scores. The first was well taken by the outside half who danced round a couple of tackles to touch down beneath the posts leaving a simple conversion. A few minutes later an interception in midfield led to Knutsford scoring another 7 points after Chapel had been deep in their territory. Although the result was not in danger, the home side were stung into action again and hit back when Cottam broke from the back of a scrum and scored his second of the game (conversion added). Knutsford were able to capitalise on a mix-up in the Chapel defence to score another converted try, but fittingly the last score of the game went to the home side. From a lineout in an attacking position they drove the opposition pack over their own line for a classic forwards try to seal the victory. Canavan’s successful conversion was the last action of the afternoon and brought Chapel’s score to 60.

Canavan took the man of the match award for an assured display from full back and for his deadly accuracy with the boot, although any of the home side could have taken the accolade in a strong team performance.

Chapel will not be dwelling on the victory as their eyes immediately turn to the next challenge away at Capenhurst. It has been a few seasons since the sides last met but Chapel will need to show the same level of focus and determination against tough opposition if they want to continue their impressive run of form.

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

If you are interested in joining a club on the up, then visit our website at www.pitchero.com/clubs/holmeschapel, contact us on 07881 828 739, or simply turn up for training on a Tuesday or Thursday night at 7pm. Players of all ability and experience welcome.