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Marple's marvel Mitchell punishes Holmes Chapel

20/12/2006

AFTER more than two months of playing away games, Marple finally recorded a good result on home turf, with a 10-7 victory over struggling Holmes Chapel.

Winger Ben Mitchell scored a brace of tries to clinch Marple their third win of the season.

Visitors Chapel started the game well, opening up a seven-point lead after their scrum-half peeled off from the base of a scrum and side-stepped his way to score under the posts.

Chapel then had the opportunity to increase their tally through two penalties but missed both attempts.

Marple finally fired into action and enjoyed better possession and run of the ball from the set-piece.

Mitchell scored the first of his two tries towards the end of the first half to spark Marple's revival.

After the interval Holmes Chapel never looked liked crossing the line but Marple too struggled, eventually Mitchell bagged the match-winning try with ten minutes remaining.

The home side's forward pack once again performed very well, with newcomer Tom Bate winning the man of the match award for his excellent effort at flanker.

Marple now go into the Christmas break looking a little more comfortable in seventh position in the league.

The next game is at home against Ellesmere Port on January 13.

Marple will be hoping to turn around the disappointing result they suffered against Ellesmere Port earlier in the season.

Marple's second team continued on their winning way with a 26-7 away win against Dukinfield.