Sandbach RUFC - Match Report

Sandbach took their first steps to retaining their grip on the Cheshire Cup, and they were able to do so in the face of a spirited Wirral challenge.

With it being the first truly competitive game of the season, it was unrealistic to expect Sandbach to be at their absolute best from the off, as both sides struggled to completely find their rhythm. So, they will take the win and though the game was a bit scrappy at times, with lots of stops and starts, the season is off and running, with plenty to build on for the boys in green and red.

Sandbach started the game with a few changes to their pack due to injury and availability, but had a strong looking back division, with new recruit Myles Hall starting on the wing, on a warm sunny afternoon. Despite making a mess of the kick off receipt, the home side were quickly into their stride and very much controlled possession and territory in the first half. They were often though frustrated by the visitor’s defence and a few errors, whilst the Wirral team were also a nuisance at the breakdown, meaning that the Bach didn’t completely play with their usual tempo.

Sandbach eventually got on the scoreboard after twenty minutes with a James Preston penalty and followed this up soon after when they went through the phases to work space out wide and Elliott Morris appeared on his other wing to score. Preston adding the conversion. Wirral showed that they too had some dangerous runners and when the Sandbach defence bought a well telegraphed dummy from the Wirral skipper Chris Crowley, he shot through the defensive line and found fly half Akehurst in support to reduce the deficit to just three, as Williams converted the score. Sandbach swiftly reasserted themselves and scored just before the break, following a fine counterattack initiated by Hall, which led to Jack Leech breaking clear. Though the centre was dragged down just short of the posts, the ball was recycled quickly, and prop Max Beadle dived over. Preston converting again to go in at oranges with Sandbach 17 v 7 up.

The second half was a much more disjointed affair with Sandbach slowly eking out their lead with a second Preston penalty ten minutes in and he added another halfway through. Once more Wirral bounced back as Sandbach’s defensive system again was broken through and this time it was Crowley in support to burst away and score, to leave the tally at 23 v 12 with fifteen to go. Wirral then enjoyed their best phase of the game, as they had a greater share of the ball and Sandbach had to weather a frantic ten-minute period, as their defence came under pressure close to their line. Using their bench to the full, they held out and despite a bit of niggle at times, they kept their discipline and were able to advance to the semi final stages of the cup.

Certainly, there are a few areas to work on before the league kicks off next Saturday, when Kendal visit Bradwall Road, as Sandbach return to playing in the North West leagues. They should have a few more familiar faces back in the pack and they will be keen to iron out those defensive errors and be a bit tidier in and around the rucks. Overall, a good work out for both teams and Sandbach will have learned a lot of what to expect in the forthcoming matches, as well as help rid a bit of early season rustiness, which inevitably one would expect at this stage of the season.