A strong Sandbach 2nd XV beat Firwood Waterloo 2nd XV 31-7 at Bradwall Road on Saturday. A dominant first half display helped to secure the win. Players of the day went to Ali Burton and Isaac Chennells. The club wishes a speedy recovery to Luke Skelton,who was injured during the match.
Sandbach 2nd XV Vs Firwood Waterloo 2nd XV game. They can be downloaded from this link https://1drv.ms/f/s!Av9erCyQu-twgu5AOJgnpZHz-gIWFw. Again, Thank you Andy Mitchell for the photos.

FULL 1XV MATCH REPORT
Saturday’s match between Sandbach and Firwood Waterloo was a big one. The Bach were determined to cement their position at the top of the table after last week’s victory over Douglas. Firwood Waterloo on the other hand have had an extended break due to the weather and were eager to reclaim the top spot.

Sandbach’s George Perkins was making his full home 1st XV debut. Perkins is back with the club after a very successful junior and university career with Denstone College and Leicester Tigers. The flanker is another encouraging young prospect for the club and all eyes were on him on Saturday afternoon.

Firwood Waterloo kicked off proceedings and enjoyed a lot of ball in hand in the early minutes. Their intent was to attack and show their power, which was equally matched by Sandbach’s robust defence. Waterloo did have an early break but a tap-tackle by the outstretched hand of full-back Harry Leese put an end to that threat.

The opening points came after a weaving run by Sandbach’s winger Elliot Morris. He found Perkins in support before captain Jimmy Gore got hold of the ball. Gore’s chip through was retrieved by George Cole for the first try of the day. It was Sandbach’s first attack and after 8 minutes they walked away 5-0 up.

Firwood Waterloo continued to play ball in hand at every opportunity but a 5m lineout from a penalty, put Sandbach in the perfect attacking position again. The maul went sideways, but the ball slipped to scrum-half Laurie Essenhigh who passed out wide to the unmarked Morris. He eased over to extend the lead, which was duly converted by Matt Randle. After 18 minutes, Sandbach were leading 12-0.

This match was never going to be easy and Sandbach’s defence was challenged at every opportunity, but they managed early on to stop Firwood Waterloo from making any ground. Then came one of the plays of the season. Waterloo kicked for territory, which was retrieved by Morris. He returned the kick and the bounce took it into touch, gifting the Bach a lineout from the 50:22 kick. Morris didn’t stop there, he’d chased the kick and with barely any defence in sight he had the foresight to take a quick lineout. The return pass gave him an easy run in for one of the most intelligent scores of the season. Randle’s conversion put Sandbach 19-0 up.

With under ten minutes left to play, Sandbach would score again with a break from halfway. This time Perkins was in possession as he broke several tackles to power through for the try. Firwood Waterloo would get their first try before the half was out and after the conversion the scores were 26-5.

The second half was under way and Sandbach were again required to put in a huge defensive effort. The match wasn’t over and Firwood Waterloo were looking to attack. It was a tense and feisty fifteen minutes and there were some big hits from Gore, replacement Dylan Sibanda and Callum Oakden as the Bach gave it their all. When a penalty was conceded by Waterloo, which was within kicking distance, it was sensibly taken by Sandbach and Randle added three more points to the total to ease the pressure.

Firwood Waterloo’s attack gained a try on the wing and five minutes later they scored again when their winger went over for another try. After the conversion, the visitors felt they still had a chance with ten points between them and 15 minutes to play. Sensible game management was required by Sandbach and two more penalties within kicking distance were slickly executed by Randle as the Bach increased their lead to 35-19.

Firwood Waterloo weren’t giving up and continued to attack with ball in hand. However, it was Sandbach who would get the final points in the dying minutes. Despite the team putting in a huge shift, they still had enough energy to go again. Randle made a twisting run from his own half before offloading to Morris in support. Morris found Essenhigh who gave chase with a trademark snaking run. After numerous more offloads and phases, the Bach edged closer to the line. Max Beadle took possession and made an attempt, but it was Perkins who finally broke the defensive line to score his second try of the day.

Firwood Waterloo won their own restart, but a penalty awarded to Sandbach allowed them to kick to touch and end the game 40-19. This was a standout win for Sandbach, with a fine defensive display complimented by a stunning attacking performance. Player of the match was awarded to George Perkins for his two tries and a very impressive home debut.

Sandbach sit nine points clear at the top of the table as they take a break next weekend. The pressure is now on for their closest rivals, Firwood Waterloo and Bowdon, who are both in action and will be looking to get back in contention. The Bach will be ready to go again when they travel to Wides next month.

Match report by Rhys Fullerton

Next match:

Widnes 1st XV Vs Sandbach 1st XV

Saturday 1st February

Heath Road, Widnes