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Weekly Roundup

Weekly Roundup

Jon Griffin26 Feb 2015 - 21:09
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Latest news from Holmes Chapel RUFC

1st XV

The scoreline might look comfortable, but for an hour the Oswestry lads gave Chapel a real scare last Saturday as the Blue & Gold travelled west for a crucial league fixture. The visitors were grateful for the pace of Angus Morison and Jack Cottam in the first half to get ahead, and when Oswestry pulled themselves to within a couple of scores it really was game on. Fortunately for Chapel their hosts began to tire and the league leaders clicked into gear, ultimately scoring enough tries to take the result beyond doubt. Andy Davies had another great day with the boot and there were 2 tries for Skipper Tom Chambers on his final game of the season.

As it was his last game of the campaign we tried to get a quote from our Captain. Sadly he had already finished his second pint and was therefore incomprehensible. Fortunately, inside centre Joe Maddock was on hand to offer the following take on the game. "not a bad performance from the lads in the end but it was disappointing to miss out after treading on a snail [Editor's note - I think I heard that excuse correctly]. It's a real shame TC is going to miss the run in but I'm sure he'll have a great time on his trip. I've done quite a lot of travelling myself so I'll grab Tom after he sobers up and give him the benefit of my experience and advice." I asked Joe where was the most exciting and exotic place he's ever visited. "Oh, got to be Weston Super-Mare" he replied.

Read a match report here or pick up a copy of your local papers - The Crewe Chronicle / Knutsford Guardian.

With Crewe & Nantwich sitting this weekend out and Congleton winning there is a reshuffle in the promotion race. Chapel are still out in front by 5 points but Congleton have moved into second to set up the derby game this weekend. Dom Moss takes over as 1st XV Captain so the lads will be hoping to put in a big performance and get him off to a strong start. Games against Congleton are never straight-forward though and our neighbours also have all to play for in the promotion race.

Kick off is at 2.15pm with refreshments in The Swan after the game. Why not come along and show your support against our local rivals?

Vets XV

Don't forget the Vets are in action against Sandbach 4th XV on 14 March! With the 1st XV now playing in a semi-final the same weekend it's more important than ever that you make yourself available to play. Speak to Andy P for details etc.

Training

Yes, the news we have all been waiting for...HCRUFC training is back! It will be held at the new 3G facility at the Leisure Centre and we are very lucky to have Jonny Kennedy coming along to run the sessions. To cover costs of the excellent facilities there will be a small charge of £2 per person, however the saving you will make by not paying fines for missing tackles and dropping passes make that a bargain. 7pm start on Tuesday 3 March - everyone welcome.

All Hail Tommy Two Shandies. Captain. Leader. Lightweight.

As mentioned earlier, Tom Chambers has played his final game in a Chapel shirt this year as he jets off on his travels this Sunday. He will be down to watch the game on Saturday but has been banned from playing in case he tempts the fickle hand of fate. Let's make sure the first 2 people to speak to him in The Swan buy him a beer after the match.

Tom took over the 1st XV Captaincy 2 years ago and was a popular choice having been one of the most consistent performers for a few years. Off the back of a mixed season the year before he was confident of taking the club forward, however little did he know he was entering one of the most troubled periods the club has ever experienced. Unavailability on an almost unprecedented scale saw the 2nd XV concede their first 3 matches of the season and even the 1s were struggling to meet fixture commitments. The situation became so dire that we were forced to drop out of the RFU leagues and came very close to folding.

Thanks to the generosity and understanding of the Raging Bull Leagues and the North West rugby fraternity, Chapel continued to play as the 1st XV took up the 2nd's spot in the league structure. It was during this time that Tom really rose to the challenge. With the help of Dom Moss, he led the team on a great run of victories (not always with a full XV) and brought some cheer back into the club again. With no further concedes available it was vital we fulfilled all fixtures - thanks to Tom we passed that test with flying colours. This season, with playing numbers on the up he has captained Chapel to 20 straight wins. We sit top of the league and have a semi-final to look forward to. It's fair to say he leaves us in good health.

Of course, TC's first game in a Chapel shirt 5 years ago (see picture) is remembered for different reasons. Tom was part of a great 2nd XV performance to defeat Champions elect Wilmslow 3rds and almost scored a try. I say almost as he crossed the whitewash but unfortunately kept on running and went over the in-goal line. He even managed to top that by falling asleep in the AP Club and being woken up on Sunday morning by the cleaner. Good start Tom. The following season he soon made the 1st XV and debuted in an extremely tough match at high-flying Orrell. The way he played that day made it clear he wouldn't be playing a lot of 2nd team rugby in future. In a very difficult season I had no hesitation in awarding Tom Captain's Player of the Season - despite there being a number of other strong candidates that year.

Before writing this article I asked around for other favourite memories of our glorious leader and the following 3 points stood out:

  1. The Running Style. What can we say? Not what you'd call pretty but very, very effective!
  2. The Drinking. Whether on tour, in the Isle of Man, or in The Swan, Tom never failed to impress us. We have literally never seen a Holmes Chapel forward so good at rugby and bad at drinking. The "Captain's Tax" episode after the final game of last season when it took Tom most of the night to realise people were topping up his jug probably just about tops the charts in this department.
  3. The Teamtalks. "Scouse Bumblebees", "Tackle their Flippers" are the tip of the iceberg for TC's halftime pep-talks. Having said that, whatever he has been saying obviously works!

Finally, we wish Tom all the best on his travels and look forward to seeing him in a Chapel shirt again on his return. It's been a privilege to play alongside such a talented player and great guy - the club won't be the same without him.

Have a great time Tom, and if you fancy bringing back a few decent players from New Zealand when you return then be out guest.

Cheers

HCRUFC

6 Nations Prediction League

Don't forget to get your predictions in for the following matches this weekend:

Scotland v Italy
France v Wales
Ireland v England

Make sure your predictions are in by 2.30pm on Saturday! You don't want to be "winning" the wooden spoon, particularly if coming on tour...

Ask El Tel

More expert advice from everyone's favourite Agony Uncle

Dear El Tel

Despite being an inspirational leader of men (on the pitch that is, not in the pub) I am soon leaving the sunny climes of Chapel to travel the world for a few months. I'm not sure if my teammates will ever forgive me but that isn't what I'm worried about. I'm concerned that my legendary (lack of) drinking ability is going to be an issue on my world tour. As you are a sophisticated, well-travelled sort of gent please could you advise me on which alcoholic drinks to stick to and which to avoid?

Captain Two Shandies, Under a Table

Dear Captain My Captain

There has been great weeping and wailing in the Swan with the recent news of your departure and the subsequent expected crash in the sales of Shandy and ginger ale.

After putting the news out of your world tour a number of nations have decided to invent new cocktails in order to entice you to visit.
Russia ~ the Ivana Knockabolokoff ~ like Vodka, has no taste, no smell, but makes you run through walls looking for touch.

Tibet ~ Yaks Milk Gin ~ one of these and you develop a stupid cheesy grin ~ bit like you have after two lemonade shandies….

India ~ the Indira Snake Charmer ~ after a few of these you can prove how much easier it is just to pull a cobra out of the basket rather than waste time playing music to it

Japan ~ the Sushi Sushi Saki ~ smells like fish, tastes like fish, after a few of these you will think you are a fish!

And finally from Hawaii the Nu Nu No More ~ after one you are anybody’s, after two you are everybody’s, after three nobody wants to know you!!

The main thing is to enjoy your adventure and remember Uncle El Tel’s motto ~ don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today, because if you do it today and like it, you can do it again tomorrow!!

Missing you already!

Lots and lots of love and kisses

El Tel

2014 / 15 Social Calendar

This weekend! More 6 Nations rugby at The Lion in Sandbach. Ireland v England on Sunday 1 March, food being laid on as well. Let Andy P or Big Jase Whitehead know if you're coming and let's have another big turnout.

Get these dates in your diary and come join us:

6 Nations at The Lion in Sandbach, Ireland v England, Sunday 1 March
Last Game of the Season, Winnington Park, Saturday 18 April (Fancy Dress TBC)
Tour to Southend-on-Sea, Thursday 8 – Sunday 11 May
End of Season Celebration, The Vic Club, Holmes Chapel, Sunday 24 May

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