Tumultuous tears, tirades, tantrums but most of all thanks.

It was with heavy heart that Captain Paul Berridge announced his resignation at the end of last week's victory over Bowdon, but after a week where once again the pool of available players dwindled as the week went on, he was reminded of why he decided to resign in the first place. Friday began much as any other Friday, cup of tea, slice of toast and a slow progression of cry-offs and promotions to the first team which meant that, once again by 3pm Saturday, the 2nd XV bore absolutely no resemblance to the team which had been announced on Thursday.
Some good news was that gargantuan powerhouse Ben Somers, was back in the pack and along with floppy fringed, herculean back row Dan Banks the Congleton pack were capable of terrifying their opponents. And they did. The number of cry-offs and people turning up late had left the Congleton forwards bitter and angry and they took it out on their opponents. The forwards powered towards the line and recycled over and over before Ben Somers, powered over the line and left the Holmes Chapel team scratching their heads. Gareth Cresswell gratefully converted and Congleton had the momentum from the first minute of the game. Chapel turned up the heat and began to attack but the Congleton line stood firm. Congleton realised that their best chance of victory lay with keeping the ball in the forwards, which can be frustrating for the back line but to their credit, Congleton's Jessicas are made of stern stuff and plaudits must be given to Dewi Duplessis who tackled tirelessly to repel wave upon wave of Holmes Chapel attacks and Gareth Cresswell who's strong running from the channel earned him the greatest praise imaginable when one member of the crowd suggested he was "Like a young Paul Berridge." (Although he was on the ground clutching his shoulder at that point so it may have been a slightly different reference.)
Holmes Chapel kept themselves in the game by kicking two penalties but once again Somers powerful running caused chaos in the home defence and he crashed over for his, and the bears second try, which was once again converted by Cresswell. Eventually though tiredness began to take its toll and Holmes Chapel exploited holes in the exhausted defence to score a converted try just before the break.

Half time: HC 13 Congleton 14

At half time Berridge tried to motivate his team and the arrival of Nick Butters gave the bears a welcome boost, from the kick off though they were under the cosh and Holmes Chapel began to show their true colours, baiting Congleton at every opportunity and then playing the ref for all they were worth. Late, high tackles were flying in and digs on the floor became common place. This allowed them two dubious penalties, a lucky break away try and a very lucky try from a fly hack to give them a 31-14 lead which in truth they did not deserve.
Congleton could have capitulated but cheered on from the touchline they regrouped and threw everything into one last attack, and they were rewarded when Ben Somers (Who else?) powered across the whitewash to complete his hat-trick. Cresswell's perfect kicking continued and he converted comfortably. Before the game ended though there was time for Chapel to finish the game of with another penalty kick.

Final Score: Holmes Chapel 1st XV 34 - Congleton 2s 21.

In some ways the performance of the players who played eclipsed the pre-game disappointment and Berridge was able to leave knowing that if Congleton can replicate the spirit and performance they showed today against the team at the top of the league then they will be fine without him. And before he jets off for a well earned break in the sunshine capital of Europe... Hartlepool, he would like to sign off with a massive vote of thanks to all the players, supporters and people who shout abuse on the touchline for what has been a fantastic experience for the last 18 months. In the Oscar winning words of one of Britain's most revered Shakespearian actors, Sir Vinnie Jones: "It's been emotional."

Thanks lads, Good luck and I'll see you around.

Much Love
Bezzle