As the season draws to a close it was busy weekend of action for Sandbach’s senior teams and there was much to celebrate. Amongst the wins and losses there was a family celebration when two brothers played together for the first time and there was plenty of positives as campaigns wrapped up.

On Friday night, the 4th XV concluded their season under the lights as they hosted Cheshire Fire Service at Bradwall Road. The large crowd were treated to some entertaining tries and the 40-17 win for Sandbach meant that the 4th XV remain undefeated this season. Friday’s fixture proved that there is a real appetite for social rugby across the local community.

On Saturday, a youthful 2nd XV travelled to Birkenhead Park and put on an impressive showing but ended up on the wrong side of the result losing 49-25. This brings an end to their league campaign and there’s plenty of positives to take away. The leadership of Lee Pickles and Joe Cooper this season has been a real asset with the 2nd XV has provided a seamless pathway for many players to the 1st XV.

This 2nd XV match featured a hugely memorable moment when brothers Archie and Charlie Lea played their first game together for Sandbach. Archie plays regularly for the senior teams and Charlie, who is still a Colt (U18s), is making the transition to senior rugby. This will no doubt be the first of many joint appearances for the Lea brothers.

The 3rd XV took to the field for one last time this season as they welcomed Crewe & Nantwich's 2nd XV to Bradwall Road. A superb showing on home soil saw the Bach run out 30-18 winners with Tom Vitta named player of the match.

Finally, Sandbach 1st XV will face Ilkeston RUFC in the quarter-final of the Papa John’s Men’s Community Cup on Saturday, kick-off 3pm. Ilkeston narrowly beat Melbourne RUFC on Saturday to progress to the next round. The winners on Saturday will book a place in the semi-final away against either Cheltenham or Walsall.