Capenhurst 19 Knutsford 10

KNUTSFORD were unable to start the New Year with a league win, instead suffering a nine-point defeat at Capenhurst.

Blues pressed for an early score, but their hosts’ defence held firm.

The visitors trailed shortly afterwards, conceding an unconverted try following a rolling maul.

A pattern was set, Capenhurst applying pressure through lineouts and scrums while keeping Knutsford at bay.

On a rare foray into Capenhurst territory the visitors were awarded a penalty, converted by Alex Wilson to make it 5-3.

Knutsford then enjoyed a sustained period of possession, but were unable to convert it into points and the deficit was unchanged by the break.

The second half began with Geoff Crawford’s men setting out to attack and their enterprise was rewarded with a try between the posts by Wilson, who relied on his trusty boot to converted Blues could not add to their tally and fell victim to some controversial refereeing decisions that resulted in three of their players ending up in the sin bin.

The visitors finished the game with 13 men, leaving space exploited by Capenhurst as they ran in two converted tries before full time.

Knutsford host leaders Trentham at the Academy on Saturday, kick off 2.15pm