Halbro Plate Cup
Widnes 28
Chorley 2nds 18
Semi-final
With one game away from a first ever final for Chorley, Phil callanders team was in good spirits and very focused, they came across a very experienced big Widnes set up, as the game started the Chorley pack took control with big hits running at the Widnes pack, and early on Dave Dawson scored a penalty
With Chorley forwards on the ascendancy a horrific injury to second row Dave Martin with a dislocated knee had to be carried off,
As Widnes tried to get back into it number eight John Jackson ran through lots of tackles to score and converted by Dave Dawson, with nick sergeant, Chris O’Neil and john witts in charge in the scrums,
An excellent first half by Chorley and coasting, as the second half kicked off, after slack tackling the Widnes winger ran in to score, then the Chorley pack rumbled forward, and as this was collapsed close to the line captain Phil callander barged over a couple of players to score,
But Widnes wouldn’t go down without a fight, as Widnes made changes with a very experienced hooker! came on they seem to get better, as Chorley tired Widnes came back with bad tackling again Widnes ran in too score, with just three points in it and a long stoppage due to a serious Widnes injury, with the last play of the game Widnes scored another try which was a cruel and underserved blow.
Phil callander said I’m totally gutted we have worked so hard to get here the furthest we ever have, I’m so proud of everyone, it hurts right now, but we will be back stronger next year!, well done Widnes I hope they win it now.
Chorley 23
Wilmslow 17
Quarter final
After a hard fought game last Saturday against Carnforth, it was back to Chorley’s amazing cup run on a hard and frosty pitch.
Chorley pack started well against a very experienced Wilmslow team with scrums and lines outs being strongly contested by both teams. However early on against the run of play Wilmslow centre cut right through the Chorley back line to score under the posts.
Chorley kept attacking the Wilmslow line through strong forward running and quick back counters, once again Wilmslow cut through again to score, with what seemed like every time Wilmslow had the ball they scored. This was turning into a worry for Phil Callanders team.
Then luck changed Chorley’s way, with great hands Centre Steve Bryn, ran half the length of the pitch to score.
Just before half time Wilmslow centre again broke through four tackles to score, which left Chorley 17-7 down at half time, with a very stern half time team talk
Chorley stuck to there forward dominating game plan with Michael Harwood, Dave Martin, John Witts and Nick Sergeant producing Samba style rugby down the middle of the park.
Midway through the second half and with Wilmslow tiring, Substitute number eight John Jackson broke through to score followed by stand off Gavin Slater barging over from close range.
With nerves getting thwart towards the end Wilmslow couldn’t find a way through in the second half and Chorley hung on with Dave Dawson kicking three penalties through the game.
After the game captain Phil Callander said 'this was a very hard and physical game , we showed great team spirit and resolve to come back from the brink, we are now in the semi final this is the furthers we’ve ever been and I’m so proud, this is great for the club we deserve it.'
Thornton Cleveleys 0
3rd round
Chorley came up against the favourites to win the cup, but today Chorley was very switched on from the start.
Thornton started as they always did, with there massive forwards running at the Chorley pack, but every time they were knocked back, and Chorley didn't give a inch and as the first half was well on the way, full back Dave Dawson kicked a penalty.
Thornton kept coming but never got any where with the whole Chorley team tackling like there lives depending on it, as the half ended Thornton got a kick charged down and winger Tom Welch was the first to react and dived over to score his first try for the club.
That score seemed to have rocked Thornton, the second half started the same as Thornton threw the kitchen sink at the Chorley defence, but to they found it was solid as a rock today.
Mid way through the first half substitute centre Stuart Harris skinned the Thornton defence to score under the posts. The try was converted by Dave Dawson.
Thornton were totally dead on there feet now after throwing everything at Chorley. In the last ten minutes Thornton’s last chances to score with three penalties in front of the Chorley posts. The visitors decided to run the penalties thinking their substantial pack could charge through, but they were wrong. On both occasions they passed to their massive props and second row, who got ceremonially dumped to the floor on all three occasions by Man of the Match, hooker, Nick Sergeant. You would have thought the Thornton forwards would have learnt the first time! That was it for Thornton as they were knocked out of the cup and were in total shock.
After the game jubilant captain Phil Callander says "this is without doubt my best win as captain, in 20 years I’ve never beaten Thornton and now I have, defence wins you games and everyone was awesome today. We are all tired and carrying a few injuries but we all played like lions today, I have never been so proud and we have a great chance now of winning this cup.
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