Just like that, Sandbach’s season came to a final, abrupt end. After eight months of rugby, twenty-two league games and two play-off matches, Sandbach will remain at level 6 for another season after losing to Vale of Lune on Saturday.

It’s been a long journey, with plenty of highs and some lows. Right the way from gruelling pre-season runs to the top of Mow Cop Castle, all the way through to knockout rugby. From topping the table, huge wins and senior debuts, to injuries, agonising defeats against local rivals and last-minute penalty losses. It all culminated in a proud third-place finish for the second consecutive season and a place in the play-offs.

Sandbach progressed to round two of the play-offs after beating Widnes in a 27-19 victory, whereas Vale of Lune progressed after narrowly beating Douglas (I.O.M.) 23-18. When the two teams met earlier in the season, Sandbach won both fixtures, including a resounding seven-try away win. Vale finished second in the league table, one place above Sandbach, but only separated by two points. On paper, this match should have been closer than it was, but it becomes unpredictable when it gets to knockout matches.

Sandbach made the trip to Lancashire with an unchanged starting XV for the fourth time this season. Led by captain and scrum-half Laurie Essenhigh, Sandbach had a youthful squad with plenty of pace and try-scoring ability. On the bench were Dylan Husbands, a Senior Colt who has crossed over to his first season in senior rugby, and the ever-reliable Archie Lea and Mike Butler.

With the match underway, Vale of Lune opened the scoring after 10 minutes, but Sandbach responded instantly when Matt Davies crossed over the line to level the scores. The hooker, who has only missed one game all season, took his try-scoring tally to seven for this campaign.

The home side took the lead again five minutes later and then increased it further in the second quarter to take a 19-5 lead. Vale missed a penalty before the break, but they still had a two-score lead at half-time.

In the second half, Vale of Lune furthered their lead with another converted try, and minutes later the hosts kicked a successful penalty. The game was looking out of reach at 29-5.

In the last ten minutes, Sandbach mounted a late fightback with two tries in quick succession. The first was scored by replacement prop Lea, his second of the season. Essenhigh scored next and fly-half Henry Mitchell converted, leaving Sandbach requiring two scores to get ahead. However, they were out of time and the match ended with Vale of Lune winning 29-17. Sandbach were out and Vale were through to the next play-off stage.

Not for the first time this season, Sandbach’s centre Ed Vitta was named player of the match. Essenhigh ended the season as Sandbach’s top try-scorer with 20 tries. He also recorded the most appearances, having not missed a game all season.

At the end of the regular season, Sandbach were consistently near the top of the statistical tables, finishing second for most points scored at home, fewest points conceded and home wins. They topped the standings for the most points scored in away games. This leaves the team in the perfect place going forwards.

In the end, it wasn’t meant to be. You can’t fault the commitment and performances from the players. A lot can be said about Sandbach’s homegrown talent and the mixture of youth and experience, which will be the envy of many clubs. Several players continue to study away at university but don’t miss a game week in, week out. It’s also worth acknowledging those who haven’t been at the club since the mini and juniors. They’ve come in, bought into its culture and ethos and give it their all for the club every week.

The experiences that this squad have been through this campaign, and the one before, will have prepared them to mount another serious promotion challenge next season. They now know what’s required of them and hopefully next season, they will get it over the line.

Report by Rhys Fullerton