Holmes Chapel got off to a winning start in Freshlet Division 4 South, defeating Congleton 2nd XV 42-20 away from home. Skipper Dom Moss handed out several debuts with the new faces repaying his trust by turning in an impressive performance.

Read the full match report here.

Looking around other results across the league there were big wins for Trafford Metrovick 3rd XV and Northwich 3rd XV. Crewe & Nantwich 3rd XV, Macclesfield 4th XV and Sandbach 3rd XV were also winners.

Looking ahead to this weekend and we welcome Lymm 4th XV to Station Road. Lymm also kicked off their season with an impressive victory over Whitchurch so the Chapel boys will have their work cut out as they try to build a good start to the season.

Kick-off is at the Holmes Chapel Community Centre at 3pm. Your support is appreciated so why not come along and watch the first home game of the new season?

Captain’s Log

Chapel Captain Dom Moss shares his views on our opening day win and the match this weekend.

Congleton away is not always the easiest place to go especially right at the beginning of the season when fitness and team cohesion isn't at its peak. With that in mind, a convincing 42-20 win was extremely pleasing and allows us to continue our unbeaten record in competitive fixtures.

I feel we controlled the game throughout and looked threatening with the ball in hand, without always capitalising on our chances. There were a number of areas in which we can improve and all will be addressed at training so try and get down - Tuesday 7 o'clock start.

5 players made their competitive debuts for us and all put in massive performances with a few being highlighted as contenders for MOM. So congratulations Ed Chappel, Joe Tomasik, Connor Gavin, Joe Foulkes and Finn O'Brien.

It was also good to see Vice Captain; Dan Martin back in action (fighting) and Subscriptions Officer, Merchandising Officer, Groundsman and Clubman of the Year 2014/2015; Jack Baskerville make his return after a lengthy spell away injured.

Another big performance is needed this weekend as we take on Lymm 4's at home. Beers after the game in the Vic.

See you on Saturday.

Dom.

Vets XV aka The Ancients

Andy John’s Ancients are counting down the days until their first match of the season against Knutsford Vets on 10 October. Obviously the team are so old these days that training has to be kept to a sensible minimum but it’s been good to hear how keen the lads are to get into shape for the match. Apparently Andy P has cut down his pie intake to 3 a day, Big Jase has switched from Marlboro to Marlboro Lights and Mikey Cottam occasionally walks home from the pub instead of getting Michelle to give him a lift.

Keep these dates in your diary:

10th October 2015
19th December 2015
20th February 2016
13th March 2016
16th April 2016

The North West Mercenaries

Unfortunately, our friends the Mercenaries didn’t play last weekend as Bowdon 4th XV were unable to complete the fixture. The Mercs will hope to play their first league game this weekend and are scheduled to travel to Congleton 3rd XV.

Annual Subscriptions

It’s that time of year guys and subscriptions are due in now. Prices have been frozen at £20 and these are payable by cash or electronic transfer (see Louie or Jack Baskerville for details). It’s absolutely vital that the club receives this money each year if we are to stay afloat so please dig deep and hand over your cash.

The 2015 Rugby World Cup

It all kicks off on Friday 18 September and to get us all in the tournament spirit The Weekly Roundup will be running several features concentrating on the battle for the William Webb Ellis Trophy.

Who’s Going?

We’re pleased to announce that there will be strong coverage of Chapel players and members attending matches over the next few weeks. These are the people going that we know of so far. Don’t forget that we want your photos for the HCRUFC World Cup 2015 Album.

England v Fiji – Andy Partington
England v Uruguay – Harry Jeanes, Darren Saffill, Andy Partington, Tony Steele, Makka, Spoof, Cookie, Steve Hatton
England v Wales – Andy Partington, Darren Saffill, Stumpy, Birchy, Steve Hatton
England v Australia – Steve Hatton
Wales v Uruguay – Lighty
Wales v Fiji – Lighty
Wales v Australia – Lighty
Ireland v Italy – Martin Cummins
Scotland v USA – German
New Zealand v Tonga – Doug Canavan
Australia v Uruguay – Rob, Tom and Ed O’Hare
Quarter Finals – Lighty
The Final – Steve Hatton, Tony Steele

If you’re not mentioned above and are going to the World Cup please let Andy P know!

Predictions League

The World Cup Predictions League will be starting soon! Keep your eye on the forum or look out for texts from Andy P. Will be kept nice and simple for the group stages – just guess your group winners (5 pts if correct) and results of each game (3 pts if correct) so no need to guess the scores at this stage. Standings will be published in The Weekly Roundup.

When & Where to Watch?

The fixture list is printed in the Social Calendar section and all these games will be shown at The Vic Club in Holmes Chapel so get together with your mates to watch the action.

A couple of exceptions:

England v Uruguay, Saturday 10 October – Following the league match at Old Bedians (Didsbury) the lads will be heading into Manchester to watch the game on the big screen. Club colours or shirts to be worn please – promises to be a great day and night out.

The World Cup Final, Saturday 31 October – This will be held as a club event followed by the Halloween Party. Unfortunately The Vic Club is double-booked but Makka is working on an alternative venue which will be announced shortly.

Video of the Week

This week, Jack “The Professor” Baskerville is extremely excited by the upcoming event set to kick off in September. You guessed it – Strictly Come Dancing Series 13! To help get you all in the mood he’s brought you a video of 2 very distinctive dancing troupes.

Enjoy the video here

Ask El Tel

More expert Rugby World Cup related advice from everyone’s favourite Agony Uncle.

El Tel

Kia Ora,

I hear you're the man in the know, well as it's World Cup time again, I'm obviously watching my home videos and laughing out loud (or lol as I believe the kids say these days) every time I watch those Underwood brothers try to tackle me. I mean come on, really, look at the size of them! They must be related to that bloke at your club.

Anyway, my question is - I am still up there as leading World Cup try scorer. Do you think this will ever be beaten?

E noho rā

Kiwi Giant and Legend, Brushing off a Feeble Tackle

Dear JL (happy orange drink to you too)
It's lovely to hear from one of our revered colonial cousins. Glad that you will be watching old videos of New Zealand wins against England as I always hate to see a grown man cry when his team gets knocked out of the cup as your boys will this time.

With regards to the Underwoods actually we all had a quiet snigger at some of those tackles but as true Englishman we wouldn't admit it at the time!! However I do have to say that you were fortunate never to play rugby in Cheshire against the Stokie Roofer, Concrete Grandad or Network Rail's finest in the Blue & Yellow in their prime!! In fact we have a couple of farmers who practise on Bulls who could show you a thing or two.

Anyway I will send you a DVD (modern version of video) of the boys at Stumpy's training to show you what real tackles are. In fact you can join them at Tough Mudder on Saturday if you want. Did you know that “Come On” Harry goes to Tough Mudder? Mind you he does keep it quiet...

By the way, happy to buy you a pint if you are near the Vic Club when the All Black's meet their nemesis Big Sam (TOW's love child) and to commiserate with you.

Finally you underestimate our little ankle biter, you would never have got past him on his day when he used to leap out from behind the tall HC molehills!

Yours reverently

Uncle El Tel

PS I think your record is safe for a while until the HC youngsters make their breakthrough!!

Destination Confirmed!

Tour 2016 Update…It’s Malaga! After extensive investigation our Head of Research & Development has counted the votes, compared the market, and checked for low, low beer prices before settling on sunny Spain. In order to keep the prices as low as possible it has been shifted by 1 week to the weekend of 10-13 June. As this is an abroad tour, it’s extremely important that we pay for our flights as soon as possible - you don’t want to miss out though so make sure TOW Andy P is aware that you are in!

The following destinations were rejected (proposer in brackets):

Bangkok (Jonno)
Wigan (Andy P)
Hamburg (German)
Lilliput (Keith)
Brize Norton (The Moss Bros)
Inverness (Gavin Paton)
Oxford or Cambridge (El Tel)
Somewhere in the south of England (Big Daz)

Will all tourists please take note, there is a Tour Meeting scheduled for Tuesday 15 September at The Vic Club with a 21.05 start time. The meeting will also be to discuss interest and plans to follow the Lions in 2021.

Tour Sleep Counter (sponsored by Joe Maddock’s Fact of the Week)

274 Sleeps To Go!

Joe says:

“The "You Are Here" arrow on a map is known as an ideolocator. How does it always know where you are though? Seriously, it’s like being in George Orville’s 1984 with Little Brother watching you or something.”