There were jubilant scenes at the final whistle as Sandbach 2nd XV won the NOWIRUL Barry Allen Memorial Jug final at Audenshaw Park on Saturday. Sandbach edged out Blackburn 2nd XV to claim the cup win in a dramatic final. This is the second piece of silverware that they take home to Bradwall Road, after recently winning the league title.

The youthful 2nd XV are led by co-captains Anthony Dowell and Jake Jackson, and coached by Lee Pickles and Joe Cooper. They have enjoyed a fantastic campaign, putting in a huge amount of effort to secure the league and cup double.

Sandbach’s road to the final started back in October with a narrow win against Widnes 2nd XV. They beat Vale of Lune 2nd XV at home in January in a close high-scoring 38-34 victory. The next round was more comfortable, seeing off Eagle 26-10 to secure their place in the final.

Sandbach’s final opponents, Blackburn 2nd XV, are no strangers having faced each other twice this season. Blackburn came out on top on both occasions, with just eight points separating the teams across two fixtures.

The teams first met in November, where Blackburn took the spoils in a 24-27 victory. In March, Blackburn were the victors once more with a 34-29 win. On Saturday, however, Sandbach came out on top to secure the cup win, winning narrowly 39-38.

The team came flying out the blocks, crossing through Dylan Husbands, Tim Young and a brace from George Harding to set the tone early. Blackburn however came roaring back in the second half, with the lead changing hands in a breathless contest that had everything.

A try from Cam Baker and a clutch penalty from new dad Jake Jackson kept Bach right in it as the clock ticked down. Then, with the final play of the game and trailing by four, Jack Oakes powered over from a driving maul to seal it.

Sandbach 2nd XV were crowned NOWIRUL Division 1 league champions when they thrashed Aldwinians 96-5 on the last day of the league season to claim the title.

The cup win seals a remarkable campaign for Sandbach 2nd XV, who can now head into the close season and enjoy their triumphant double success.

Sandbach 2nd XV
Starting lineup: Dylan Husbands, Rhys John, Angus Walker, Timothy Young, Ethan Round, Daniel Simcox, Jake Jackson (co-captain), Anthony Dowell (co-captain), Oliver Jones, Matt Bown, Ryan Hollinshead, Aaron Briscall, George Harding, William Bowbeer, Archie Lea
Replacements: Jack Oakes, Cameron Baker, Jack Mullaney, Matt Barlow, Olly O’Neill