Wilmslow 1st XV 10-41 Sandbach 1st XV
Saturday 31st October 2026
Regional 2 North West
Memorial Ground, Wilmslow

Sandbach continued their unbeaten run with a 10-41 victory over Wilmslow on Saturday. The Bach made the short trip to the Memorial Ground in search of their sixth win in a row and found it thanks to three tries from winger Elliot Morris.

The bonus point win over fellow Cheshire side Wilmslow put the league leaders six points clear at the top of Regional 2 North West.
Sandbach went into the game five for five after finding another way to win last weekend in testing conditions against Widnes.

Wilmslow and Sandbach haven’t met for a number of years, the last time was in the Cheshire Cup in 2017. Wilmslow earned promotion last season as winners of the Counties ADM Lancashire & Cheshire Northern Division, losing just two games all campaign. So far this season they’ve had mixed fortunes, winning two tough away matches but losing two home fixtures, as well as last Saturday’s game away to Northwich.

Sandbach made a couple of tweaks from last week’s win over Widnes. Ryan Arundale came into the pack to replace Aaron Briscall and there was a welcome return to the bench for lock Calum Oakden, who had been sidelined since the start of October. Squad consistency has been a key asset this season with rotated players, forced or otherwise, seamlessly slotting right in.

Wilmslow got the game underway and enjoyed some early possession but couldn’t break through Sandbach’s solid and organised defence. Both teams settled into the game rather than rushing at it, but it was Wilmslow who got the first try on the wing after finding a gap from a scrum. Winger Elliott Meridith went over and after a successful conversion they were leading 7-0.

Sandbach’s response was almost immediate. From a scrum in Wilmslow’s half, Laurie Essenhigh surged through the home side’s defence and past the twenty-two, but was brought down just short of the line. After a few phases, prop Joe Ball got the ball and burst over for the try. Matt Randle converted to square the game and a few minutes later he put them ahead with three points from a penalty.

It was patient play from Sandbach, a theme of the afternoon, and their lead was furthered on the half hour mark when the maul from a 5m lineout powered over the line and the ball slipped to Mike Barlow who went over to score.

Just before half-time, Essenhigh was everywhere and made a fantastic tip tackle, before throwing himself at another ball carrier. Sandbach took back possession and Essenhigh kicked the ball up field. Morris gave chase and after another kick he smothered the ball over the line for a try in the corner.

In the second half, Wilmslow got the first points with three from a penalty. They were now ten points behind but picked up a yellow card shortly afterwards to hinder any comeback. Sandbach increased their lead from another catch and drive, and it was Morris on the edge of the maul who went over once more and secured the bonus point. Randle added the extras.

Sandbach had been slowly building an attack in Wilmslow’s half. Ball had made a big carry, as did Arundale who beat a tackle near the line, before offloading to Harry Leese who went over for his first try of the season and Sandbach’s fifth of the day. Randle converted again.

After that, Wilmslow had possession in Sandbach’s half and made it into the twenty-two, but they couldn’t gain anything from it. Both teams exchanged kicks, as Ed Vitta and Mike Barlow evaded several tackles to get into Wilmslow’s half. Replacement Murray O’Donnell made a lovely shimmy sidestep as he continues to grow in confidence. The ball was played wide and Arundale set up Morris on the wing for his hat-trick and the last try of the match. This time Henry Mitchell was on kicking duty and slotted the difficult kick to make it 10-41.

As the game came to a close, O’Donnell got close from a kick chase and Arundale made a superb break from Sandbach’s half but there were no further points to be found. From their first try, Sandbach remained in control and saw out the game to produce another fine win.

Sandbach have one more fixture before a well-earned rest weekend. On Saturday they host second place Birkenhead Park back at Bradwall Road.

When the two teams met last season, it was one home win apiece. Now Park are chasing Sandbach in the table, but Saturday’s draw against Northwich leaves them six points behind.

Ending this block with a strong win could strengthen Sandbach’s lead at the top of the league before a much-needed break.

NEXT MATCH
Sandbach 1st XV vs Birkenhead Park 1st XV
Saturday 7th November – Kick-off 2.15pm
Bradwall Road, Sandbach

Match Report by Rhys Fullerton