Bowdon safely through first round of the Cheshire Cup

Despite conceding some height and weight, Bowdon's tight five of Will Bannister, Benjy Jones, Oliver Joyce, Will Hood and Josh Hope were solid in the scrum, controlling their own ball and winning several against the head. The intensity at the breakdown being drilled into Bowdon at training was reproduced to excellent effect, with all of the pack clearing out at the ruck relentlessly. Such was the dominance that not a single ball was lost when the forwards took the ball in throughout all of the first half.

This platform provided the springboard for the back row and backs to use their pace to attack in waves. The first try came from a powerful driving run through the centre by Harry Martin, followed up by further yards gained by Oliver Meredith, drawing the visitors into a penalty. Quick ball then allowed Harry Briscoe to go over in the corner.

A second try straight from the kick-off gave Bowdon the confidence to play more expansive rugby, resulting in a sumptuous third try. A fine break by Will Nicholson led to space for Harry Briscoe, who's vision and beautifully executed short pass to the man outside him put the elegant Ben Royle through for the type of team try that will be needed against stronger opposition.

A further try for Harry Briscoe, plus three excellent conversions from Tom Peel, gave the home side a convincing 26-0 half time lead.

The second half, playing up the slope, was always going to be tougher, and so it proved, but all of Bowdon's substitutes made positive contributions to ensure a clean sheet was secured, and a final try for Harry Briscoe boosted the margin of victory even further.

A special mention must go to MOTM Chris Schofield for an exemplary wing forward display, with a tackle count that was off the scale.