Holmes Chapel 29 Bowdon 3rd 7

HOLMES Chapel returned to winning ways in Division Four South but know there is room for improvement.

They scored 22 points without reply in the second half after a tense opening period finished 7-7.

Experienced forward Jon Griffin said: “I thought we played well throughout vast swathes of the game and most importantly we got the win.

“Ideally we need to be making less mistakes but that will come as the season progresses.

“With the squad we have I think we can do very well this year and hopefully push for another high finish in the table.”

Chapel, who host Oswestry seconds this Saturday, were wary of a strong travelling mid-table Bowdon team but found success through the forwards as they opened the scoring.

From an overthrown lineout, open-side flanker Callum Grant-Smith handed off an opposition forward and found his way to the try line. Andy Davies converted.

Bowdon levelled before an interval in which Chapel made a few changes that proved influential.

Centre Jim Moss, returning to the team after an extended period of injury, made a fairly instant impact.

He received the ball on the left with a man outside him and one man to beat. He backed himself and headed for the try line, regaining his feet after not being held in a tackle to dive over.

This converted score rejuvenated Chapel and shortly afterwards a sharp backs move resulted in aggressive winger Luke Day crossing in the corner.

Davies, wide with the kick, did add a penalty shortly afterwards and then converted a final try from Day.