Driving wind and rain didn't halt Knutsford march to victory

The opening exchanges were littered with errors as both sides struggled to adapt to the wintery conditions. Knutsford were the quicker to acclimatise to the rain and soon found their feet, with the forwards carrying the ball strongly. Fishburne, Higgins and Owen on their return epitomised Knutsford’s game plan with direct running and strong ball carrying laying a platform from which fly half James was able to control terrioritory.

As Knutsford continued to control possession and terriority they were duely rewarded with a penalty in front of the posts, which Mooney slotted over to put Knutsford into a 3-0 lead.

Knutsford continued to exert pressure on the Capenhurst line and Clawson was unlucky to score on his first start for the side. Shortly after Higgins was held up over the line, but Knutsford’s dominance in the loose was rewarded with two further penalties and extended their lead to 9-0 with 30 minutes on the clock.

As the first half drew towards it completion, Capenhurst were presented with an opportunity to get back into the game. The Knutsford pack stood up to a stern examination as Capenhurst attempted to a push over try from a five metre scrum. An organised back line defence, marshalled by Edmonds and Crawford, thwarted the visitors final attack of the half, as Knutsford went into the half time break leading 9-0.
 
Knutsford began the second half in a similar fashion to the first, and continued to control field position with Mooney and James kicking well to the corners and pinning Capenhurst back into their 22.

Robertsons persistance at the lineout was rewarded as Knutsford began to win ball from the Capernhurst set piece. A strong carry from Edmonds and repeated phases of forward play result in Knutsford being awarded a penalty in front of the posts as Capenhurst were caught offside at the ruck. Mooney converted the penalty to take the score to 12-0, with thirty minutes remaining.

Capenhurst began to resort to a kicking game and debutant Hamilton looked assured under the high ball, as he calmly collected several testing midfield kicks. Knutsford looked organised in defence and held firm as Capenhurst again exerted pressure on the home side’s line. Fifteen minutes of pressure from the visitors failed to yield any points and Knutsford managed to play ut the last ten minutes in the Capenhurst half, controling possesion as they looked to run down the clock for a hard fought victory.

Knutsford 12 – 0 Capenhurst

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