Sandbach made the trip to Bowdon on Saturday for the final game of 2024, but the clash between second and third place didn’t go to plan. There was a possibility that the Bach could top the table by the end of the day but that didn’t come to fruition.

Sandbach had won six games on the trot, with last Saturday’s 32-19 victory over Northwich a continuation of their superb form. Bowdon on the other hand had lost their last two games, but they hadn’t lost at home this season and this was something they would be looking to continue.

The Bach started the day eight points clear of Bowdon and they had a close encounter when the two teams faced off in September, with Sandbach winning narrowly by three points.

Sandbach’s squad saw Jake Jackson move from the 2nd XV to replace Laurie Essenhigh at scrum-half. Dylan Sibanda replaced the injured Tom Namguads at prop and Will Bowbeer was welcomed back to the replacements bench.

It was all Sandbach in the opening 20 minutes. A penalty kick from Matt Randle opened the scoring and a charge down gave Ryan Arundale his eighth try of the season and an early lead. The try was converted by Randle, who would kick another penalty shortly after. However, a couple of injuries and a yellow card hampered Sandbach’s progress and the momentum shifted. Bowdon prospered from the penalties they were awarded and the Bach couldn’t change the tide. Randle kicked another 3 points, but it wasn’t enough and Bowdon came away 40-16 winners. Despite the result Sandbach gave it their all and number 8 Jack Seddon was named player of the match. There’s no change at the top of the table and the Bach remain in the hunt.

In other club news, Sandbach 2nd’s match against Kendal was called off and the Bach were awarded the win. The 3rd XV, also known as the Stormers, beat Bowdon 2nd XV 26-24. Player of the match went to Sam Chilvers.

With over half the league season played, Sandbach will be delighted with their league position but will be hoping for a lot more. There has been some incredible rugby played and the abundance of local derbies has really added to the excitement.

The try scoring battle between Elliot Morris and Laurie Essenhigh has been tamed since Morris steamed ahead with 21 tries compared to Essenhigh’s 13. Saturday’s try scorer Arundale is one of five players to have played all 13 games this season. The other players include George Cole, Henry Mitchell, Callum Oakden and Randle. Expect to see more from these players during the season run in.

Looking ahead to 2025 there is plenty of rugby to whet the appetite. In January alone, Sandbach will face local rivals Crewe & Nantwich, Douglas, which requires a trip to the Isle of Man, and they go head-to-head with league leaders Firwood Waterloo at the end of the month.

There is a slight break over the festive period and rugby will return to Bradwall Road on the first weekend in January, when Sandbach entertain Crewe & Nantwich. The Bach were relentless when they last met, scoring eight tries and both teams will be aiming to start the year with a bang. Bradwall Road has become a fortress for the Bach this season and a bumper crowd of home and away supporters is assured. Expect an explosive start to rugby in 2025.

Next match:
Sandbach 1st XV Vs Crewe & Nantwich 1st XV
Saturday 4th January – 2.15pm
Bradwall Road, Sandbach