Broughton Park 3rd 14-7 Holmes Chapel

HOLMES Chapel, already assured of promotion to the next level, could not end another successful campaign in the North West Intermediate League with a victory.

They lost a close encounter, one interrupted regularly by the referee to issue yellow cards, with Broughton Park’s thirds last Saturday.

The home team had more possession, and applied pressure for most of the first half, but their guests kept the score-sheet blank at the break thanks to a try-saving tap tackle from Ali Lightfoot.

Chapel introduced Dave Steer and Jack Baskerville for the second period, but that duo could not prevent their side from falling behind at a moment when Broughton had an extra man.

They made the most of their numerical advantage to crash down in the corner.

The visitors responded, and a quick-thinking Jack Cottam was able to touch down after winning a foot-race to a kick that landed next to Broughton’s posts.

A conversion hauled Holmes Chapel level.

However they suffered another blow in the closing stages when Steer was next to spend time in the sin bin as punishment for coming in from the side.

Following a scrum, Broughton executed a rehearsed backs move that ended with their full-back taking the ball over the whitewash.

Marple’s seconds conceded to leaders Widnes, who finish six points clear of Chapel at the top of Division Three South.

Chapel’s seconds conclude their Division Five South campaign at home to Lymm’s fourths this Saturday.