Under 14

Winnington Park 52 - Sandbach 0 Sun 21 March 2004 Following an impressive display two weeks ago against Congleton, the team travelled the short distance to Winnington Park full more of expectation than hope. Stuart Vaughan travelled with the squad hopeful of making his club debut. Sandbach exerted some early pressure following the kick off but were guilty of numerous basic tactical errors such as trying to run the ball out of their own 22 when they had the strong wind in their favour. Our scrummages were solid but lineout play and loose play within the forwards lacked, authority, dynamism and coordination. After 7 minutes sloppy play and poor tackling led to Winnington's first try, which was duly converted. The rest of the first half continued in the same vein, Winnington scoring three more converted tries at even intervals. Half Time 28 - 0 The second half Sandbach showed much more determination, but again lack of individual and team defensive skills combined with poor decision making allowed Winnington to score four more tries two of which were converted. During the second half Andy Marrow should be congratulated for his fantastic tackling - whilst many of the forwards should be asking themselves why the full back should be forced to tackle large forwards running at him having run through paper thin defending in our own pack. Stuart did make his debut in the second half - so well done to him. Overall there was a collective lack of effort, skill and personal responsibility from most of the team. A disappointing day which I hope we will not repeat. Much to work on in training. Team: Andy Marrow, Alex Allen, Matt Thackray, Luke Skelton (Joe Woods), Gareth Hibbert, Hugh Upcott Gill, Danny Johnson, Mike Bettley (Stuart Vaughan), Gaz Marshall, Simon Jones, Matt Preen, Jonny Williams, Tom Swindell (Mike Smith), Luke Conway, Danny Brook (Capt) Man of the Match: Marrow