ANDY Davies’ reliability made the difference for Holmes Chapel last weekend when he kicked three penalties to separate them from their opponents.

It earned for his side a second win of the campaign in the North West Intermediate League and prompted captain Dom Moss to hail his players’ collective effort.

He said: “Every man played with the right intensity in what was a physically demanding game.

“We were great in defence and are reaping the rewards of a strong pre-season.”

Wirral’s thirds took the lead at Station Road when they made the most of miscommunication in the hosts’ pack to reach the whitewash following a lineout.

Chapel were forced to defend for long spells afterwards, but resisted heavy pressure and restored parity shortly before the break following a trademark lineout move finished by Tom Chambers.

Davies’ kick made it 7-7.

The home team attempted to wear down their guests after the interval, and edged in front from the first of Davies’ successful penalty kicks after an infringement at a ruck.

He repeated the trick when Wirral erred again, this time in front of the posts.

To their credit, the visitors responded with a try of their own out wide to close to within one point.

An untidy closing period saw both teams trade possession until Conor Gavin’s run was halted illegally to gift to Davies another opportunity.

He took it, and a 16-12 lead with two minutes left proved insurmountable.

Chapel are due at Didsbury Toc-H on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.