Sandbach gave their supporters an early Christmas present on Saturday by beating their close rivals Northwich in a thrilling festive derby at Bradwall Road.

After last week’s last gasp win away to Douglas (I.O.M), Sandbach were itching to go again and reverse their fortunes after losing narrowly to Northwich in September.

Sandbach made several changes to their starting line up with Sam Bromley taking the number seven shirt. Hugo Rosser was handed his 1st XV debut on the wing and Jack Busby, who has been at the club since the Under 6s, was named as a replacement. This was a fantastic opportunity for the young players to impress and stake a claim in the first team.

Sandbach opened the scoring after four minutes with a penalty kick from Matt Randle. The full-back moved his points tally for the season to an impressive 130 and would add to it further throughout the afternoon. Northwich took the chance to level the scores five minutes later from a penalty and it was all square at 3-3.

Sandbach’s first try came a few minutes later when they picked up a penalty in Northwich’s half. Fly-half Henry Mitchell kicked to touch to give the Bach an attacking lineout from 5m out. Callum Oakden leapt to receive the ball and the maul quickly formed and pushed towards the line. The ball slipped out to Laurie Essenhigh who fired over for the try.

After the restart, Sandbach won the ball back on halfway from a Northwich lineout and George Perkins showed his confidence as he made a massive carry. Some slick passing between Essenhigh and prop Archie Lea led to Randle darting forward and into a high tackle. The Bach kicked to touch from the penalty and had another attacking opportunity from the lineout. It was a repeat of the last try as the maul charged towards the line and Essenhigh scored again.

Northwich reduced the deficit when their scrum overpowered Sandbach’s and they found a gap to score the try. From the restart, Northwich returned the ball to touch and Sandbach had a lineout. The throw went long and was collected by Oakden who linked with Essenhigh. From there Perkins made another big carry as Sandbach rushed through the phases. Centre Harry Leese attacked the line and made a nice sidestep before passing to Essenhigh who crossed over the line once more. The hat trick marked the captain’s tenth try of the season.

Before the end of the half, Sandbach had a succession of penalties close to the line and the rolling maul was used again. This time it was hooker Matt Davies who bounded over to secure the bonus point and Sandbach went in at half-time with a healthy 29-10 lead.

After the break, Northwich put Sandbach on the back foot. This time it was the visitor’s maul that earned the try, showing that they weren’t out of the game. Five minutes later and Sandbach’s lead was reduced further when Northwich applied the pressure in the home side’s twenty-two and snuck through for the try.

Sandbach began to get a foot back in the game. Northwich were trying to play the ball out, but the Bach were holding them back, thanks in part to a big hit by Leese. Northwich lost the ball and winger Rhys John shot towards the corner. He looked certain to score but a huge hit from Northwich’s outside centre put John into touch, ending his afternoon in the process but gifting Sandbach a penalty from 5m out. They worked the phases and after a further penalty was awarded, the hosts sensibly opted for the points. Randle drilled the kick over to put them ten points ahead.

With four minutes left, Northwich scored another try, but the conversion went wide. There was now only five points in it with a few minutes left to play. From the restart, Northwich tried to run with the ball, however, they got themselves trapped in their twenty-two. They played the ball out wide, but a miss pass sent the ball into touch and the match ended with Sandbach winning 32-27.

It was a lively and thrilling contest, with both sets of fans contributing to the electric atmosphere. Northwich returned home with two bonus points, having pushed the game to the wire. However, Sandbach deserved the win and they remain in second place, two points behind leaders North Ribblesdale. With only nine league games left, 2026 could be a big year for this youthful team.

Match report by Rhys Fullerton

Next match:
Birkenhead Park 1st XV Vs Sandbach 1st XV
Saturday 10th January
The Upper Park, Birkenhead