It was a close run thing but Holmes Chapel 1st XV were unable to progress through to the 3rd round of the Brooke Edgley Specialist Technical Services Shield last Saturday, narrowly losing out to visitors Capenhurst. Chapel were up against it all afternoon at the set-piece and - despite nearly making up for this through highly-competitive work at the breakdown – couldn’t convert what possession they had into points. Nevertheless, another encouraging performance from a young side against a team who until this season were playing in the RFU league structure bodes well for the future. Well played Capenhurst and good luck for the remainder of the competition.

Read the full match report by Jack Baskerville here or pick up a copy of the Crewe Chronicle or Knutsford Guardian.

This weekend sees another home fixture and a return to league action. Bowdon 3rd XV will be the visitors as Chapel look to consolidate their position at the summit of Freshlet Division 4 South. Bowdon are sure to pose a tough challenge; they sit in 6th place in the league having won 4 games so far, including an away victory at 2nd placed Crewe & Nantwich. Chapel will need to shrug off the disappointment of last weekend and up their game once more to keep the league momentum going.

Kick-off is at 2.15pm and all spectators are welcome.

Captain's Log

Skipper Dom Moss talks about what we need to learn from last week, and the ongoing work on our new home.

As expected, last week was our toughest test in recent years. Capenhurst came to Station Road with a physical squad which dominated set plays throughout and made it difficult for us to get clean ball to the backs. This meant we couldn't play at our normal high tempo and eventually penalties told and Capenhurst deservedly won 13 - 11.

Despite the result we were excellent around the break down and discipline throughout was good. The big learning point for our developing squad is to improve our ability to change the game plan when we come up against forward orientated sides.

The Club has been invited down to view the new Community Centre gym on Monday night, 8pm. Let's get as many of the Club signed on as members as possible.

Saturday sees another tough test vs Bowdon. We have to show our metal and bounce back with a solid win to kick on in the League. Meet time is 12:30 at the Vic or 13:00 at the pitch already changed.

See you there.

Dom.

Vets XV aka The Ancients

Breaking news about the fixture against Marple on 19 December...it's going to be a bus trip! That's right a coach is being arranged to take the old farts to the match and back home safely again. This, of course, has several benefits:

- Players can no longer use having their driving licences taken away due to old age as an excuse not to play.
- The coach will be equipped with a bathroom so half a dozen rest-stops between Holmes Chapel and Marple (double on the way back) won't be required.
- And finally, if anyone forgets where they live after the match there will be a nice coach driver to see you get on the right bus.

Look forward to seeing as many over-35s there as possible!

Keep these dates in your diary for future matches:

19th December 2015
20th February 2016
13th March 2016
16th April 2016

Odd Shaped Balls vs Queen's Park Raisins

Match Report from Dave Steer

This week we fielded a strong team and badly needed a win after falling short the last two weeks.

The rain and wind was hammering down which left a greasy surface and playing an expansive game would be difficult.

We started off playing some good football, and early on a good bit of interplay put Andy Davies on one on one with the keeper and our top goalscorer from last season happily slotted the ball into the bottom corner (1-0) Almost immediately after, a through ball was put through and Davies again slotted the ball past the keeper and OSB were looking comfortable (2-0).

The opposition then got some half chances with a cross splitting the OSB defence and the opposition striker headed in from close range (2-1). This was followed by an impressive strike from outside the box which beat the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Nick Lyons (2-2).

This period left OSB scratching their heads as they had complete control of the game and yet were not in the lead. This led to some strong attacking play and Josh Joyce managed drive himself into space and put a powerful shot into the back of the net (3-2). This was followed by a Jack Baskerville shot from distance which was slightly deflected and beat the keeper into the corner of the net in the last few minutes of the game. A good game in the end except for Tom O'donoghue who couldn't hit the net if he opened up a browser.

Final Score 4-2

MOM - Andy Davies

Team:

GK:Nick Lyons
Phil Benson (C)
Mark Rebbeck
Jack Baskerville
Josh Joyce
Andy Davies (MOM)
Tom O'donoghue

Next week we play Ji Sung Park The Bus at 7.45 kick off

Home Sweet Home

The new Holmes Chapel Community Centre (formerly The AP Club) is making great progress and we can't wait for it to reopen. As mentioned in this week's Captain's Log, we have been invited to take a tour of the gym facilities on Monday night at 8pm.

This is a great opportunity, not only to get a sneak preview of the new gym, but also to show our support for the Community Centre project.

If you would like to go then please speak to Dom Moss so he can arrange numbers.

Video of the Week

This week, Jack Baskerville brings us a highlights video featuring the great Jonah Lomu, who sadly died this week. Lomu was a game-changer in every sense of the words who on his day was absolutely unplayable. Not only could he score tries from virtually anywhere (watch the video if you don't believe me!) but he changed the way the game of rugby union is played forever. Rest in Peace Jonah.

Enjoy the video here

Ask El Tel

More expert advice from everyone's favourite Agony Uncle.

G'day El Tel-San

You may have seen the rumours that I'm about to take a big job up north, building on some recent success out in the Far East.

I'm pretty confident of doing well, what with my impressive record at the top level, but given my previous battles with the poms I'm going to need some advice to fit in.

So can you teach me the words to Swing Low, Sweet Chariot; Land of Hope & Glory; God Save The Queen and Jerusalem? In return I promise to teach you the words to Waltzing Matilda - or should that be Waltzing MaTELda? Heh heh, geddit? - Advance Australia Fair and I Should Be So Lucky?

Sayonara Sport

Springbok Slayer, Between Hemispheres

G’day Edward mate

I’d like to say that we are glad to have you on board but we said that about the Reverend and that went pear shaped. No need to teach us songs as we know all of them matey as we have the best TOW in the world who prepares us for tour and just about everything else!

We do need to warn you about how things are done at HQ. Don’t worry about the fans’ expectations as most fans at HQ these days don’t watch the rugby, they are there as part of the social calendar like Henley, the Boat Race, Ascot, that sort of thing. By the way get those dates in your calendar, you will be expected to attend. Appreciate you are from Oz but if you need help with the regulation Weber barbie for Ascot, the Hitman can give you some valuable lessons. But be warned he does witter on a bit!

Singing is not going to be a major issue for you but etiquette is… Now the Old Farts Club (aka The Committee) have strict rules. The bowing and scraping they practice in Japan will put you in good stead but at HQ you have to be on top form bro.
~ Tie to be done in a Windsor knot at all times. Suit to be worn even during coaching sessions.
~ At table for luncheon sit up straight, and do not fidget! Do not put your elbows on the table.
~ Keep your mouth closed and no munching noises while eating. Talking with your mouth full and spitting bits of food over Lady Farquharson is a definite no no!
~ No sucking or slurping when eating soup, that goes for Spaghetti as well.
~ No groping or calling the waitress a "bomb ass chick" or "Beaut" unless Major Fortescue has done so already!
~ Pass Port to the left and do not refer to HRH as "Top Sheila" when making the loyal toast.

Now, you may be used to winning and if you are coming here for trophies you would be better having a run out for the Blue and Gold than coaching England. I need to put you straight on this one. We English prefer gallant losers rather than winners. 2003 is a bit of stain on the character of Sir Clive as he bloody won it when we were late getting to the match and the instructions to lose didn’t get through in time. Of course we will expect you to do better than the Reverend who made losing into a fine art form. He didn’t quite get it!

Anyway welcome matey don’t forget that Christmas here is in December and is not celebrated with a Barbie on the beach. Blackpool, Weston-Super-Mud and Margate are nothing like Bondi. Anyway gotta go, she who casts no shadow is calling me to go shopping. There’s a place on tour going spare so hopefully Stokie Roofer will have another virgin to tame.

All the best Ted

El Tel

Makka’s Tour Sleep Counter (sponsored by Joe Maddock’s Fact of the Week)

205 Sleeps To Go!

Joe says:

“Mothers pregnant with boys are less forgetful than those carrying girls. I asked my mum if this is true but she can't remember. Now I'm more confused than ever.”