Knutsford lose close away game in Chester

Knutsford travelled to league struggling Chester 3rds this week on a fantastic day for rugby. Conditions were perfect, 18 degrees, warm, sunny and soft underfoot on a beautiful pitch.

Knutsford travelled with a young side, 6 players who graduated from the Colts last year started the game whilst Knutsford continue to suffer from widespread unavailabilities from the normal starting lineup.

The game started well for the home side, Knutsford were pinned back by 2 early tries scored from the direct and sizeable Chester side.

The response though was impeccable from Knutsford, they responded in style with a fantastic break by Cook in the midfield after a great lineout by Stefano Spinola and Declan Mcloughlan. Cook found the supporting Alex Davies and he scored the first of 6 unanswered scores for the away side.

Knutsford were unstoppable for most of the first half depsite playing uphill, halfback pairing of MArques and Cook dictated the game and Knutsford retained the ball well, Alex Hornby and Steve Barlow created strong dents in the opposition then the back row of Mcloughlin and Cameron Smyth dragging the defence further apart. It was here Knutsfords backs could strike blow after blow. Sam Cook was next to score with a carving run through the midfield. Tom Lowe scored his first try for Knutsford after some good hands by winger Gianluca Edwards. Alex Davies and Marques added further tries as did Dominic Owen and Gianluca Edwards to take a half team lead into the break.

Facing downhill with the wind the prospect of further tries looked promising for Knutsford but tiredness kicked in and Chester rallied, Knutsford were starved of any ball for 20 mins and Chester ran in several tries.

The scoring was tit for tat, Cook went over again for his brace after finding space between 10 and 12 and Lewis Davies added his score in the 63rd minute and it was here the game changed. Cook saw red for the first time in his career for retaliating to some Chester villent conduct and Knutsfiord faced the last 17 mins a man short.

No surprises that Chester were able to take advantage and the young Knutsford side conceded 2 tries in the final quarter of the game to see a lead and potential win, squandered in the twilight of the game.