The awards honoured an array of players from each of the four senior men’s teams, touch rugby and walking rugby, as well as other roles across the spectrum of the club.
This season’s achievements include, for the second consecutive season, a proud third-place league finish for Sandbach 1st XV and a place in the play-offs, where they bowed out in the second round.

At the end of the regular season, Sandbach 1st XV 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.
1st XV captain Laurie Essenhigh ended the season as Sandbach’s top try-scorer with 20 tries. He also made 24 appearances, having not missed a single league or play-off match. Both feats were recognised at the awards evening.

Last year’s recipient of the ‘Young Player of the Season’, Matt Randle, topped the club’s points scoring with 228 points from 22 starts. This included 10 tries, 70 conversions and 26 penalties, beating his 198 points tally from last season.

Meanwhile, the women’s rugby team, whose awards will be announced at a future date, has been celebrating a highly successful Women’s and Girls’ rugby festival, which saw 100 players take part.

The youthful 2nd XV, captained by Anthony Dowell and Jake Jackson, and coached by Lee Pickles and Joe Cooper, brought home the silverware with a league and cup double. Both were won in dramatic style to cap off an outstanding season for the team.

At the awards night, the ‘1st XV Players’ Player of the Season’ went to full-back and centre Harry Leese. The versatile back, who has started 23 times this season and scored eight tries, was voted by his fellow players for his defensive stability and attacking threat.

‘1st XV Coaches’ Player of the Season’ was awarded to hooker Matt Davies. Matt, originally from Oswestry in Shropshire, grew up playing against Sandbach when he played for Oswestry RFC at junior level. He joined Sandbach for the 2023/24 season and has been a mainstay since. The hooker scored an impressive seven tries this campaign and started an even more impressive 23 games. He missed just one match due to work commitments, serving as a signaller in the 16 Signal Regiment. He’s been rewarded for a successful season with a county call-up.

From the successful 2nd XV, Ollie Jones picked up ‘2nd XV Players’ Player of the Season’ and Jack Oakes took home the ‘2nd XV Coaches’ Player of the Season’ award.
Two important awards followed with ‘Senior Player Most Progress of the Season’ going to Ben Verbickas and ‘Young Player of the Season’ to Archie Lea. Ben, a potent attacking threat, has scored seven tries from nine appearances, whereas Archie didn’t miss a senior game, starting 19 times with five from the bench. The prop also made an appearance in the 2nd XV cup final win and has been selected for the county team.

The 2nd XV coaching duo of Lee Pickles and Joe Cooper were rightly recognised during the evening, both taking home ‘Sandbach RUFC Clubman of the Year’ awards.

For the first time, supporters got to select their player of the season. It was a close one, but the inaugural award was won by forward George Perkins. Ed Vitta, who has had a fantastic season, would have been high up on all 1st XV awards shortlists and was close behind in the supporters’ votes.

It’s been a busy awards season for club stalwart Andy Mitchell. Fresh from picking up Sandbach Town Council’s 2026 Civic Award alongside Jack Seddon, Andy was honoured for his services to the club with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Sandbach RUFC in the Modern Era’ award. Andy has just finished a successful stint as coach of the Senior Colts team. He has held numerous roles at the club including Mini and Junior Chair, Honorary Secretary, first team admin support and he is one of the club’s photographers, regularly covering senior matches and other club events, including Friday night’s ceremony. He carries out these roles, and many more, quietly, reliably and without ever seeking recognition.

The awards capped off another exciting and successful season for Sandbach RUFC. As the pitches are being reseeded, rugby takes a short break before doing it all again next season.
More awards were presented on the night, with the full list as follows:

• Sandbach RUFC 1st XV Players’ Player of the Season 2025–26 – Harry Leese
• Sandbach RUFC 1st XV Coaches’ Player of the Season 2025–26 – Matt Davies
• Sandbach RUFC 2nd XV Players’ Player of the Season 2025–26 – Ollie Jones
• Sandbach RUFC 2nd XV Coaches’ Player of the Season 2025–26 – Jack Oakes
• Sandbach RUFC 3rd XV Most Progress of the Season 2025–26 – James Donagan
• Sandbach RUFC 3rd XV Players’ Player of the Season 2025–26 – Evan Edmunds
• Sandbach RUFC ‘Stormer’ of the Season 2025–26 – Connor Radcliffe
• Sandbach RUFC ‘Stallion’ of the Season 2025–26 – Simon Street and Fred Galais
• Sandbach RUFC 4th XV Players’ Player of the Year 2025–26 – Gaz Caen
• Sandbach RUFC Senior Player Most Progress of the Season 2025–26 – Ben Verbickas
• Sandbach RUFC Young Player of the Season 2025–26 – Archie Lea
• Sandbach RUFC Clubman of the Year 2025–26 – Lee Pickles and Joe Cooper
• Supporters’ Player of the Season 2025–26 – George Perkins
• Outstanding Contribution to Sandbach RUFC in the Modern Era – Andy Mitchell
• Sandbach RUFC Recognition Award 2025–26 (Touch Rugby) – Elisa Galais
• Sandbach RUFC Recognition Award 2024–25 (Walking Rugby) – Paul Ballard
• Sandbach RUFC Recognition Award 2025–26 (Services to SRUFC) –
o Josh Randle
o Rhys Fullerton
o Jack Leech
o Nick Allsop
o Dave Burnand
o Kevin Mowbray
• RFU Volunteer Awards – Rhys Fullerton, Jack Seddon, Alan Smith
• Sandbach Town Council Civic Awards – Jack Seddon and Andy Mitchell
• Sandbach RUFC Medal – Most 1st XV League Appearances 2025–26 – Laurie Essenhigh
• Sandbach RUFC Medal – Most 1st XV Tries 2025–26 – Laurie Essenhigh