Eagle 2nd 14 Holmes Chapel 0

HOLMES Chapel suffered only their second defeat of the season on Saturday in the North West Intermediate League Division Four.

Two converted tries in the first half did the damage, as Eagle capitalised on a favourable wind and some shaky Chapel defence.

Prop Harry Jeanes said: “In the shadow of a defeat it is important to remember the positives of the match.

“The team showed great maturity in sorting out the defence under pressure, rucking was second to none and we kept our discipline when sometimes pressed to lose our heads.

“Let’s treat this game as what it was, a learning experience.”

Chapel, who host Sandbach on Saturday, had their best opportunity from a Jed Wragg turnover, supported by Joe Foulkes, Callum Grant-Smith and Alex Gormley.

But the league leaders could not find a way through.

At the other end, brilliant defence from father and son duo Jack and Mike Cottam kept Eagle from crossing the whitewash again.