Holmes Chapel 11 Capenhurst 13

HOLMES Chapel’s North West Intermediate League Shield hopes came to an end in a second-round defeat to Capenhurst on Saturday.

Andy Davies opened the scoring with a penalty for the hosts, but it was Capenhurst who struck with the first try after 15 minutes following a neat move in the backs.

Chapel were straight back at their opponents from the restart and Davies kicked another penalty to bring them within one point.

The visitors responded with a three-pointer of their own, despite Chapel experiencing plenty of breaks through both forwards and backs.

Capenhurst’s defence had so far proved impenetrable, with turnovers keeping Chapel at bay.

However, with 15 minutes to go Mike Lightfoot passed to centre Gavin Paton inside the opposition 22 and he sent the ball wide.

Winger Luke Day collected to go over in the corner, and with Davies unable to convert is meant a one-point lead for the visitors.

This lead was short lived, as another penalty conceded by the home side gave Capenhurst the opportunity to edge ahead and they duly took it.

Trailing 13-11 heading into the final 10 minutes, Chapel continued to pressure the Capenhurst line in a bid to cross for a decisive try.

With the last play of the game Lightfoot chipped over the top in search of an onrushing winger, but it was the Capenhurst full back who gathered, calling mark and kicking to touch.

Chapel host Bowdon thirds in Division Four South on Saturday, kick off 2.15pm.