2nd Team

Sandbach 50 - West Park (St. Helens) 7 Sat 28 January 2006 With George Elphick, unavailable the average age of the second team dropped dramatically, to an average age of 21 with Chris Sposton the elder statesman in the pack and Richard Thomas the oldest in the backs. As the score suggests the game was fast and furious, Sandbach quickly going ahead scoring two tries within the first ten minutes. The second try saw captain Martin Beecher literally sprint the length of the field to score under the posts. Although towards the end of the race, to the line he was flagging and was nearly caught by West Park St Helens players. Sandbach’s young pack dominated in the scrums pushing West Park back time after time, giving scrum half Will Cliff an ideal platform to service the backs. Centres Martin Vernon and Richard Thomas quickly getting the ball out to the wings. Winger Dan Adams was then able to show his speed and in the second half scored a wonderful try as he spotted a gap went for it and out paced the opposition to score in the corner. West Park had difficulty to find touch in both open play and penalties, this meant that full back James Goodridge and in the second half Mark Bedford, were able to field the ball and run it back at them, maintaining Sandbach’s pressure. The forwards played well, Tom Blackwood and Dan Faulkner driving the ball forward into West Park’s pack. Number 8 Mike Egglestone made a great bullocking run up the left wing and Jack Escourt was like a terrier appearing in the most unlikely places. Whether it was Sandbach’s lack of fitness or that they just took the foot off the pedal but the last ten minutes of the half was played in Sandbach’s 22m. West Park Made the most of this pressure and came away with a converted try. Photographs from this match and the third team match against the Gentlemen of Moore can be found on the website. Next Week Sandbach seconds take on Widnes in the quarter finals of the Halbro Trophy, earlier on in the season Sandbach were defeated by Widnes so will be looking for a win this time. Next weekend Sandbach are hoping to turn out 5 sides and anyone interested in playing should contact Nick Brown or Mark Smith on 01270 766006. Afterwards the sides will be able to watch the England vs. Wales match in the Clubhouse. Steve Hassall, Chris Sproston, Andy Pipe, Dan Faulkner, Dan Stubbs, Jack Escourt, Mike Egglestone, Will Cliff, Martin Beecher (Capt.), Lee Thompson, Martin Vernon, Richard Thomas, Dan Adams, James Goodridge, Replacement Mark Bedford