Knutsford RUFC 2nd XV 36 V 5 Holmes Chapel RUFC 2nd XV

It was derby day on Saturday as the second XV’s met at Mereheath Lane. Holmes Chapel welcomed back veteran second row Phil Davies, back row Martin Davis and prop Kev Gormley. With a strong wind at their backs chapel were hoping to build a first half advantage, however it was the hosts that started the game better applying the pressure early on, as chapel put a clearance kick out on the full.

Former chapel players Adam and Simon Kelly combined well in the midfield and a mis-tackle saw Knutsford take the lead. It was 15 minutes before the visiting side got into the game, Ian Gordon and Dave Price driving forward. An injury then to Phil Davies leaving the field, Jim Moss coming on a replacement.

Chapel were struggling to use the wind effectively, Knutsford were gaining territorial advantage and making life difficult for the visitors. A fine break from Sam chambers gave chapel some attacking ball and Naz Sherwani put Mitch Lawrence in with the space he needed. He put the burners on and sprinted clear of the on-coming defenders to score in the corner and level the scores.

With the first half coming to a close, chapel were looking to score again, Chris Broomfield, driving through in the centres, the ball however was turned over and a the Knutsford scrum half took full advantage and he broke away down field and pass the pass to the wing who sprinted in for the home side’s second try leaving it 10-5 at the half time break.

In the second half Knutsford had the wind and used it much better than the visitors gaining good territorial advantage, Chapel were having to run everything back, Steve Hatton making the hard yards, Martin Davis getting to every breakdown first. However the home side were the ones who were creating the chances and after 15 minutes Chapel’s defence was finally breached in the second half and Knutsford extended their lead.

The game continued in much the same vein Jonny Cornish and Joe Maddock continued to battle for the visitors, but the home side were able to run in a few more tries as the game progressed. The game finished 36-5. Holmes Chapel would like to thank sponsors Pochin, Wyman Homes and AUF Leasing.