Chapel get the job done

Holmes Chapel’s opponents on Saturday (11th April) had spent most of the season right on their tails in second place; however in recent weeks Crewe and Nantwich 4th XV’s form has dropped off and they currently occupy the third spot. Despite this Chapel captain Dom Moss was not going to allow complacency from his team and ensured that all the players knew that they still had a job to do.

As has been a theme in recent weeks, Chapel started slowly, and scrum half Jim Bowbeer did not get the clean ball from the forwards that he desired. After around ten minutes the home side started to get themselves into gear and some good offloading work from the forwards around the base of a ruck gave Chapel their breakthrough. Tighthead Prop Dave Steer was the man to put the ball down over the line. The forwards continued their good work and openside flanker Callum Grant-Smith took control of the ball at the back of a line-out maul. He steered the maul brilliantly towards the line and could simply drop to the floor once over it. Due to scrum-half Andy Davies’ absence, full back Jack Cottam was taking charge of the kicking duties today and he confidently converted both of Holmes Chapel’s tries. Further tries followed from veteran hooker Neil Almond, prolific winger Jed Wragg and relative newcomer Ben Johnson. The pick of the bunch was Johnson’s try, as when the winger caught the ball he still had plenty to do. Johnson weaved his way back infield beating three players before taking the ball right underneath the posts. J.Cottam converted all of the tries finishing the first half with a 100% record. The game didn’t go all the way of blue and gold however, and Crewe created plenty of chances and put lots of pressure on their opponents. Their back line put together a few good moves, but just couldn’t find the finishing touch to convert chances into points. Half time score Holmes Chapel 40 – 0 Crewe and Nantwich.

The second half saw Chapel make eight changes, showing the wonderful strength in depth that is apparent around the club at the moment. Substitute fullback Joe (Russell) Maddock opened the second half scoring very quickly to take Chapel 40 points ahead. He then stepped up to take the conversion but as the ball fell from the tee at the critical moment, the ball rolled towards the uprights. Winger Johnson scored his second of the game and this try was just as difficult. Johnson was still able to finish right beneath the posts. Maddock was able to convert this try and added an extra two points. The Holmes Chapel back line showed real quality and winger Angus Morison and fly-half James McLennon put another 10 points on the score line between them. Replacement number 8 Mike Cottam was working hard to overturn balls in the rucks, but after the referee had judged him to do so unfairly too many times, showed him a yellow card. The visitors took advantage of their man advantage and scored a converted try. Holmes Chapel did respond fairly quickly as Rob Moore broke the Crewe back line. This break was missed by a portion of the supporters as it clashed with the closing stages of the Grand National, being watched on iPad’s from the side. Moore, like winning horse Many Clouds, galloped clear of everyone and scored. Andy Partington took on the conversion and scored, finishing with a personal kicking record of 100% for the afternoon. Winger Morison scored his second to round off the afternoon and the game came to a close. Final score Holmes Chapel 71-7 Crewe and Nantwich.

Vice Captain Dan Martin said after the game, “We showed a really strong performance and I’m glad that we were able to rotate the team so much with the final looming. Lots of people are giving really strong performances and that is going to make selection for the big day so much harder. There is one game left to show yourself off for a place in the 20 man squad for the final, so make yourself available next weekendand come to stake your claim. Oh, training is at 6.45pm on Tuesday too!” Holmes Chapel would like to thank Crewe and Nantwich for the match and a great few beers afterwards! Holmes Chapel would also like to thank their sponsors Pochins, EvadX, AWE Cheshire Ltd, Reliance Vehicle Management, Bulcon and JK Ashbrook. Holmes Chapel will next be in action away to Winnington Park on Saturday 18th May (kick off 3.00pm). It is the last league game of the season and the theme will be best vests. Please see the weekly roundup for details.

Holmes Chapel Squad
1. Will Mitchell
2. Neil Almond
3. Dave Steer
4. Dan Martin (vc)
5. Jon Griffin
6. Dom Moss (c)
7. Callum Grant-Smith
8. Ollie Lawrence
9. Jim Bowbeer
10. Mike Lightfoot
11. Ben Johnson
12. Jim Moss
13. Jed Wragg
14. Harry Jeanes
15. Jack Cottam
Substitutes
16. Ian Lightfoot
17. Rob Moore
18. Mark McEnaney
19. Mike Cottam
20. Alex Gormley
21. James McLennon
22. Angus Morison
23. Joe Maddock
24. Andy John
25. Andy Partington