Capenhurst 17-22 Holmes Chapel

HOLMES Chapel’s first success of 2018 last weekend sent them, for now at least, to the top of the table.

And with it they avenged a defeat against the same opponents at Station Road back in September.

Frustratingly for Dom Moss’ men, they are not scheduled to play again in North West Intermediate League Division Two South until next month.

They established a lead midway through the first-half last Saturday when Ally Lightfoot touched down, a try improved by Andy Davies’ conversion.

Capenhurst rallied though, and restored parity with a converted score of their own.

The visitors ended the opening period with an advantage after number eight Mark McEnaney crashed over, and Davies again added extras to make it 14-7.

The teams traded penalties after the interval, leaving a converted try between them on the scoreboard, before David Steer crashed over for the visitors to give them breathing space.

Davies was unsuccessful with his kick, and there was a nervy finale to follow when Capenhurst were awarded a penalty-try.

However the visitors saw out the remainder to record a fourth away win of the campaign.

Glossop seconds, a point adrift and with four games in hand, can take back the lead if they prevail away to Bowdon seconds this weekend.

Homes Chapel resume their bid to be promoted again when they host the same opponents on Saturday, February 3.

They will be keen to avenge a 42-7 reverse in the return game back in October.