Miller Homes Leagues Division 4 East, 3rd Nov 2007

Burnage 3rd 14 v 7 Holmes Chapel 2nds

Holmes Chapel seconds travelled away to Burnage in the Miller Holmes league division 4 East fixture, hoping to get back to winning ways.

With the team again much changed due to injuries and unavailability Chapel looked to gel early on apply pressure. It was however Burnage that had the stronger start, their forwards taking the game to Chapel. Chapels defence was holding strong, John Clarke lifting his team mates with some inspired talking; along with stealing several Burnage put ins at the lineout.

The pressure finally told however as the Burnage back used the space out wide, their full back bursting through several tackles and scoring a fine try to give the home side the lead. Chapel then got into the game and were enjoying much possession, The villagers were held up over the line and were unable to convert after some fine forwards play, Captain Ian Lightfoot leading from the front. The Burnage defence however was up to the task, keeping chapel at bay and the score remained 7-0 at the half time break.

Chapel started the second half well and were again enjoying territory, they were unable however to break through the home side‘s defence, Chris Newby was making some fine runs in the back line, supported well by Chris Broomfield. Jim Bowbeer was keeping the pressure on at scrum half. It was however a mistake in the back line that lead to another Burnage try, a dropped ball saw a kick through by the opposition centre, he duly ran on and looked certain to score before he was tackled without the ball which lead to a penalty try and 14 point lead.

Chapel however kept their heads up and continued to dominate territory, finally a chip through lead to the impressive Joe Maddocks claiming the ball from the Burnage full back and scoring a fine try. With the gap now only 7 points chapel looked to level the scores, but Burnage held strong and took the victory.

Chapel will look to a clash with Sale next week to get back to winning ways. A disappointing scoreline but plenty of positives from a side that is getting better week by week. Chapel would like to thank AUF leasing, Wymans Construction and Pochins for their continued support.