Whitchurch 3rd 14-50 Holmes Chapel

AFTER a swift start, which yielded three tries, Holmes Chapel were always in control of a clash with back-markers Whitchurch.

They took the lead inside five minutes when Joe Baskerville touched down after Dan Martin had fed the ball to Andy Davies during an initial break.

Davies put his name on the score-sheet after second-row Mark McEnaney’s burst, then Conor Gavin forced his way over the whitewash from close range.

Whitchurch rallied, notching a reply at the end of a counter-attack.

The men from Station Road finished the half looking ragged, forcing off-loads and running without support to make their hosts’ task of defending easier.

Prop Jimmy Hamilton and flanker Craig Wardle were introduced after the interval, and Chapel were more destructive in possession.

Jim Moss was next to touch down, securing a bonus point, after resisting several attempts to stop him.

Young full-back Ally Lightfoot followed suit, then prop Will Mitchell was in the right place to pounce after skipper Dom Moss’ quickly-taken penalty.

A second converted score by the home team reduced their arrears, only for Baskerville and Gavin to both double their personal tallies before the end.

Chapel remain unbeaten in the North West Intermediate League’s Division Three South since the turn of the year, winning five of their six matches.

Struggling Lymm thirds are their guests on Saturday, kick off 3pm.