Narrow defeat away from home for 1sts

Congleton failed to live up to expectations on Saturday, with a loss at local rivals Holmes Chapel.
Congleton's pre match prep went well and the team ran out fired up and ready to build on last weeks win over Ellesmere Port.
However tactics were not put into practice in the first twenty minutes allowing the home side to pressurise Congleton's back division and gain the upper hand. Homes Chapel had the edge in the scrum and on sixteen minutes, pressurised Congleton into collapsing a scrum on their own line and a penalty try was awarded to Chapel, giving them the lead at 7 - 0.
Congleton failed to close down Chapels three quarters and on 19 minutes the home side scored an unconverted try to lead 12 - 0.
Congleton then began to realise what was needed and forced their way upfield with simple rugby and good kicks from Ridgway. On 38 minutes a scrum to Congleton was wheeled, wood picked up at eight and close support from flanker Kirkham saw him dive over for a try which was converted by Podmore. 12 - 7.
Half time saw Congleton still in the game and looking to up their game. A half time substitution brought Reardon off the bench to replace Kirkham, and he threw himself into the game.
The third quarter saw both teams evenly matched, but Congleton began giving away too many penalties, and frustratingly saw Chapel go un-penalised on numerous occasions when they were clearly offside at the breakdowns. A quickly taken penalty by Chapel lead to a converted try by their prop. This was not the first time Congleton have conceded to a quickly taken penalty and need to get more "savy" in future.
The score was now 19 - 7 to Chapel.
An injury to new boy Graham, who has shown he can add to the first team, despite his youth, saw Davies enter the breech even though not 100% fit. A reshuffle in the forwards saw Wilding back in the second row to add weight and stability to an under pressure pack.
On 50 minutes a heated exchange saw both number 8's sin binned for 10 minutes, and the game became more physical.
On 55 minutes Congleton gave away yet another penalty for going offside at the breakdown allowing Chapel to slot the kick for 22 - 7 lead. Congleton never gave up and continued to attack Chapel into the final minutes, but it was too little too late. and the game ended with Chapel winning 22 - 7.
The game was evenly matched but Congleton gave Chapel too much space in the first 20 minutes and could not overcome the early lead. More work needs to be done in defence and in the loose.