2nd Team

Sandbach 33 - Wigan 12 Sat 30 October 2004 Sandbach 2nd XV 33 Wigan 2nd XV 12 The game was re-arranged at Sandbach because Wigan’s pitch was waterlogged. This meant an unexpected home game that was greatly received. Sandbach seemed a little on edge at the start of the game and as Wigan received the kick-off, they were able to run at a lack-lustre defence and gained some good ground. Then for some reason Wigan kicked a long ball down deep into Sandbach territory. This was their first mistake. The ever youthful John Edmonstone caught the ball and ran across field. He was ably supported by Tom Atkinson and Martin Beecher, who, with some quick passing, got the ball to the fastest man in white shorts, Ryan Phelps, who proceeded to race around a somewhat bewildered Wigan defence to score in the corner. This rocked Sandbach into life and from the kick off Sandbach tackled with the ferocity and determination that they have shown all season. Crunching tackles on the big Wigan runners saw Matt Graveney, Pete Sherratt and Mike Egglestone dominating the central midfield. It was making one of these tackles that Veteran Pete Sherratt badly damaged his upper arm. This meant that Scott Anderson came on 60 minutes earlier than he wanted and played the best rugby he has played for 2 years. Well done Scott, a great game all round. George Elphick went to No8 and dominated proceedings from then on. Another wayward kick from the spirited Wigan side saw John Edmonstone linking well with full back Ollie to create another superb try for Ryan Phelps. With a penalty from Chris Greenhalgh and some excellent attacking from the backs, Sandbach started to command the game. A moments hesitation saw Wigan slip over the line to get one back but Sandbach didn’t falter. Grinding hard work from the front 5, led by Captain Ian Howlett, saw plenty of possession for the backs who gratefully peppered the Wigan defence. Quick hands and nifty footwork from the new half back pairing of “Chip” Wood and Chris Greenhalgh allowed the backs to run at the Wigan defence with guile and panache. A knock to Ryan Phelps’ knee allowed Club Captain Ray Jones onto the pitch for the first time in 6 weeks, with Martin Beecher moving on to the wing. Tom Atkinson then had an inspired second half creating breaks and opportunities for all his colleagues and eventually getting over the line himself, for a well deserved try. Sandbach allowed Wigan over the line once more but then raced down into their half and set up John Edmonstone for his first try in many moons. The arrival of Rich Taylor in the front row after Andy Pipe had run his heart out, allowed fellow front rowers Neil Day and Steve Hassall to pulverise the Wigan scrum. Sandbach had almost 100% lineout and great control of the ball at the set piece. The Wigan Prop decided he was ready for home and abused the Referee and was “sin-binned”. This led to uncontested scrumaging and gave “Chip” Woods and Chris Greenhalgh plenty of space to run the Wigan boys into the ground. A cheeky little Drop Goal from Chris was the icing on the cake but the George Elphick try went unseen by the Referee. With the backs scoring all the points it would be unfair not to reward them with the Man of the Match award. However, they will be the first to admit that all their possession came from a very solid and dominating performance from all 8 forwards. It would be difficult to find fault with any of the backs, but with 2 assists, numerous tackles and a Try to his name the award goes to John Edmonstone. Well done John and many thanks. Next week sees Lancaster’s finest, Vale of Lune visit Sandbach for the first time in many years. So, early to bed on Friday night and lets get into the top 3 of this demanding league. Tries from Ryan Phelps (2), John Edmonstone and Tom Atkinson 2 conversions, 2 Penalties and a drop goal all from Chris Greenhalgh Steve Hassall Neil Day Andy Pipe George Elphick Ian Howlett (Capt) Matt Graveney Mike Egglestone Pete Sherratt Adrian Wood Chris Greenhalgh Ryan Phelps Tom Atkinson Martin Beecher John Edmonstone Ollie Reps. Scott Anderson (Pete Sherratt 13mins) Rich Taylor (Andy Pipe 55 mins) Ray Jones (Ryan Phelps 40 mins)