Bolstered by some players returning from Injury and a couple of debutants Chapel 2nd XV travelled to Manchester for their first game of the year.
Chapel started well, with the forward pack led by Nick Joyce and Captain Harry Jeanes creating good ball for the back line and giving Luke Day, who was playing his first game after 2 years out with injury, space to run. He neatly beat the oncoming defender to score the first try of the afternoon.
Manchester then had a period of possession, strong tackling led by Craig Wardle and debutant Lincon Evans keeping the home side at bay, the pressure finally told and a clever kick through allowed the Manchester winger to pounce on the ball and level the scores at 5-5.
The game remained evenly balanced with the defences evening each other out. Both sides made half breaks, Chapels Jed Wardle making a fine run but couldn't quite find the try line.
Eventually Chapel got the breakthrough. Day breaking out of his own half Will P linking neatly and finding Joe Maddock who got within 10 metres of the line before off loading to Jim Bowbeer for a fine try. Another try followed in quick succession as Conor Gavin crashed over, taking several defenders with him and making the score 5-15 at half time.
Manchester started the 2nd half strong again threatening the visitors line as both packs were competing fiercely. The younger legs of the Chapel side began to tell as Dan Partington combined well with Jack Cottam who extended the lead further.
Captain Jeanes was on hand for the next score. Chapel had made their way up field and the Chapel skipper powered over aided by Matt Partington.
Late in the game Chapel added to the score line, further scores from Conor Gavin and Jack Cottam, followed by a conversion from Kieran Davies made the final score Manchester 5 Holmes Chapel 37

Big thanks to Manchester for hosting the game which was played in an excellent spirit.