Miller Homes Leagues Division 4 East, 1st December 2007

Holmes Chapel RUFC 2nd XV 30 Rochdale RUFC 3rds 7

Station Road was the venue for the Miller Holmes League Division 4 East Fixture, after a few weeks of difficult fixtures, Chapel seconds hosted Rochdale knowing a win would lift them out of the relegation zone. It was a scrappy start for the home side as Rochdale started with some strong running, the visitors‘ forwards were putting the pressure on and chapel were giving away penalties. The pressure finally told after 15 minutes when Rochdale‘s centre crashed through the defence for a try which was duly converted. Chapel then began to get into the game; Leigh Gormley was driving the chapel forwards with some powerful running backed up by Dan Martin. Which finally led to a penalty and chapel reduced the deficit. Rochdale were not going to roll over and were back at the villagers, good tackling by Jim Meyrick and George Edinburgh denied them the chance to extend their lead. Chapel then gained good line out ball which saw Neil Ives burst through the gap round the full back and give chapel the lead 10-7. It was then more of the same and a quick lineout from the home side enabled Martin Davis to extend the villagers lead leaving it 15-7 at the break. Chapel were looking to continue where they left off in the second half, Chris Street and Chris Broomfield continued to break the gain line and John Newport was always there backing up ensuring possession. Finally Chapel crossed the line again when power play from Leigh Gormley gave chapel another fine try. Rochdale again came back leaving chapel on the back foot strong running by the visitors was producing chapel‘s best defensive work led by Kev Gormley and Davis. Chapel however broke out and the backs combined superbly and Ives got his second of the game. More good work from the Chapel forwards lead to the final try of the game, Neil Almond securing good ball for Davis to crash through for his second try and wrap the game up for the home side despite a determined effort by Rochdale to get back into the game. The game finished 30 points to 7. Chapel would like to thank the Miller Holmes League, The referee and club sponsors Pochin's, Wymans and AUF Leasing