Christmas Comes Early For Sandbach

At the top of Sandbach’s Christmas list was a win. Second, was a bonus point win. That’s exactly what they got when they welcomed Anselmians to Bradwall Road on Saturday.

Sandbach have fond memories of beating Anselmians in the Cheshire Cup Final in May 2022 but after a closely fought contest away in September, where Sandbach lost 13-11, and a tough season so far, they knew this match wasn’t going to be easy. Anselmians have had a mixed season and were sitting at 8th in the table, 5 places above bottom placed Sandbach.

As the game kicked off, it was an even and tough first ten minutes with both sides picking up injuries, but it was Sandbach who opened the scoring. Despite giving away a penalty and picking up a yellow card, Anselmians managed to turn the ball over and clear their lines, but the Bach’s attack was too good and took advantage of the extra player when winger Ed Vita scored in the corner for the first points of the day.

Anselmians were keen to push forward from the restart. Sandbach’s full back, Ryan Barrett, made a fantastic tackle when Anselmians were two on one, but eventually a penalty was awarded for the Saints. After a tap and go, Sandbach didn’t get back quick enough and their captain, Will Grabe, sailed over the line with no resistance. After the converted try, Anselmians led after 21 minutes.

Sandbach were persistent and it wasn’t long before Ryan Barrett would increase their lead to 10-7. Both sides continued to give away penalties, one of which resulted in another yellow card for Anselmians. Sandbach kept up the pressure and after moving the ball wide from a lineout, Barrett was left with one defender in front of him and George Cole to his right. Cole scored and the half ended 15-7 shortly after.

The Bach wanted more of the same in the second half and the bonus point was quickly secured when Vitta went over for his second try. Another difficult conversion went wide but they would be happy with the lead and a bonus point, just 4 minutes into the second half.

The try of the game came from some nifty footwork by winger Cole. His chase and kick, which stopped the ball from going into touch, led to Anselmians fumbling around the try line before Laurie Essenhigh gathered and bounded over to secure the try. A missed conversion and the Bach lead 25-7 after 50 Mins.

Anselmians picked up a try but with 9 minutes to go, Sandbach would once again be on the attack and the shrewd scrum half, Essenhigh, secured his second try of the match.

Theo Hulbert would soon further the Bach’s lead and after another missed conversion they were back to defending their lines in the last moments of the game. Anselmians kept pushing on and poor discipline by Sandbach, which resulted in two players being sent to the sin bin in quick succession, helped the Saints to get their consolation points. Anselmians converted to end the game 35-19 to Sandbach.

This was an impressive result for the home side and will provide them with much needed momentum going into the New Year. This result shows what they can deliver and after a short Christmas break, they will be hoping to back this result up with another win when they visit Kendal on the 6th January.

Match Report written by Rhys Fullerton