Congleton hit the ground running

There was an air of expectancy as Congleton’s 1st XV took to the field away at local league rivals Holmes Chapel on Saturday afternoon - and what a treat! The good sized crowd murmured and muttered throughout a scrappy first half wondering when they would see the fluidity and crispness the team showed in patches last week, but those in the know knew this team would come through strongly. At least Congleton went into the break a try to the good after Joe Kanauros took a quick tap at a free kick.

This is a Congleton side that is keen to show it’s capability and although their self-expectation and nervousness manifested itself in a few dropped balls and skewed kicks, they got into their stride after the break. At the half time huddle players resolved the issues confronting them and committed to playing the remainder of the game with far more accuracy, poise and control. The change was immediate as Congleton set about Holmes Chapel like a pack of lions devouring their prey. A decision to run a kickable penalty paid off as the ball was transferred smoothly down the back line for Davis to pounce over in the corner.

Throughout the half, inside centre Williams created havoc in midfield with his deft touches and powerful line breaks and it was his exquisite lift to Wood, making one of his many wonderfully angled runs, which took Congleton to 19-0.
After a penalty took the away side to 22-0, a try by man of the match Holbrook put a nail in the home side’s coffin. Coming off his wing, Davis punched a hole in midfield but it was Holbrook’s close support, rip and 20m sprint to the line that was took the plaudits. Congleton were soon back battering away at the home side’s try line to create space for Somers to power over untouched. Right at the death Holmes Chapel kicked out from their 22m right into the eager hands of Wood who, delighted by their generosity, raced through a tiring defence to bag his well-deserved brace.

The forwards again provided the team a solid platform from which to attack and the backs demonstrated they have several options for breaking the gain line. It was evident they are developing a growing confidence in their defensive shape. If this squad of players commit to developing their core skills and the ability to execute them consistently well under pressure, they will deal more effectively with higher expectations and when in competition with the cream of the league.

When asked why this team is starting to play so well a Congleton spokesperson said: “great teams are all about collective endeavour and this team appears to be developing the kind of tightness that makes them want to fight for each other – just look at their defence! You don’t nil a team without the right attitude”. Rock on.