Sandbach’s cup dreams were dashed by a try scored in the dying throes. The quarter-final match against Ilkeston went down to the wire and a winner in extra time secured the victory for the home side.

Sandbach travelled to The Stute in Derbyshire for the clash against the Regional 2 Midlands North side with a strong squad. ‘Coaches’ Player’ and ‘Players’ Player of the Season’ Callum Oakden and player/head coach Tom Holmes were named in the second row, a fitting example of youth and experience playing alongside each other. Harry Leese returned at full-back with Jake Jackson called up to the 1st XV once to start at scrum-half. The late withdrawal of captain Jimmy Gore due to injury caused a mini reshuffle with Josh Brookes brought in on the wing.

It was a positive start for Sandbach when top try scorer Elliot Morris scored out wide. Morris scored thirty-five league tries this season and he was determined to add to that record tally. Matt Randle, who was recently named Sandbach’s ‘Young player of the Season’, kicked the conversion to give the Bach an early lead.

Two tries in a row from Ilkeston put them ahead and it was a sign that this match was going to be a constant battle. Sandbach picked up a yellow card but that didn’t stop them from competing and Morris scored his second try of the afternoon shortly after. A penalty kick for Ilkeston before the end of the first half increased their lead to 17-12.

With the second half underway, Ilkeston put themselves further ahead with a try from a lineout drive. However, two yellow cards in quick succession for the home side, one of which resulted in another Morris try, halted their advance. The Bach scored again when replacement Ryan Arundale burst through the opposition defence to score under the posts. Randle’s kick was successful and the scores were level at 24-24.

Another yellow card was awarded to Ilkeston and two minutes later Morris scored his fourth in the corner to give Sandbach the lead. The Bach picked up a yellow card with five minutes to go and a try in the corner by Ilkeston put the scores level once more. A conversion to win the match was missed and the rare occurrence of extra time was required to try and find a winner.

Neither team sat back and Ilkeston went ahead with a converted try. Randle gave Sandbach three points when he slotted a penalty kick and minutes later, he was scoring again, this time with a try out wide. Once again, the winger cooly kicked the extras and Sandbach were ahead 36-39. However, it was not meant to be and the last play of the game resulted in a try in the corner for Ilkeston to seal a dramatic victory and send Sandbach out of the cup. The hosts were through to the semi-final, winning 41-39. Ilkeston will go on to play Walsall in the semi-final. Elliot Morris was named player of the match.

Despite the disappointment, it was a huge squad effort by Sandbach. They came agonisingly close to winning and gave a tireless and gutsy performance. Discipline by both sides opened the game up and it was great spectacle for both sets of supporters.

The final whistle meant the end of the season for Sandbach, who will now rest up and will be ready to go again when pre-season commences in the summer. The achievement of a cup quarter-final and a third-place league finish will act as motivation to go further next season and there will be plenty more excitement to come from this team.

Match Report - Rhys Fullerton