Holmes Chapel rugby union team defeated 17-10 by Chester 3rds

They were defeated 17-10 at home by Chester 3rds in North West League Division Two South on Saturday.

Chester started the stronger of the two teams at Station Road, after a sustained period of attacking play saw them go over for their first try which was comfortably converted.

Both teams failed to find momentum as the first half ticked on, with Chapel looking for a way through a tight Chester defence and both teams struggling to keep discipline.

Holmes Chapel finally got on the board towards the end of the half, with Kieran Aston converting a penalty. The second half was a much more open affair, with Chester once again starting it well, bundling over for a try on the hour mark.

This sparked Chapel into action though, as they looked for a way back into the match.

Some excellent play in the centre saw Hayden Tunney burst through the Chester line, looking set to put the first try on the scoresheet for Holmes Chapel.

The 40-yard run though was cancelled as Tunney was flagged for a stray foot going into touch.

With a more expansive game and Chapel down to 14 men after fly-half Jack Cottam had been sent off, Chester made the extra man count and went over for their third try. A conversion brought the score to 17-3.

A fantastic recovery tackle from Harry Dyson prevented Chester from scoring their fourth try of the afternoon.

As the second half entered its final stages, Holmes Chapel kept the pressure up.

Some excellent play from the front row managed to open up some space on the right wing with Tom Nelson scoring in the corner.