Sandbach travelled by plane on Saturday for one of their toughest away games of this campaign. Douglas, from the Isle of Man, have only lost once at home this season and are no walkover. The island team don’t make it easy for their opponents and the challenging weather conditions made this match even more difficult.

The Bach had plenty of travelling supporters, who made the long trip to back their team and enjoy a unique weekend away. With the rest of the Regional 2 North West fixtures postponed, both teams had a chance to take some valuable points and apply the pressure to their nearest rivals in the table. After last week’s blistering win against neighbours Crewe & Nantwich, Sandbach sat at the top of the table, separated only by points difference and were eager to increase that.

Sandbach were forced to make a number of changes to the squad with Tom Holmes, Mike Butler, Jake Jackson and Kieron Murphy, who would make his first 1st XV start, moving to the starting lineup. George Perkins was welcomed to the replacements bench and was set to make his 1st XV debut. The squad proudly boasted fifteen out of eighteen Mini and Junior graduates, proving that the club’s homegrown talent is one of its biggest assets.

Sandbach led at half time with tries from prop Max Beadle and number 8 Jack Seddon. Both tries were successfully converted by Matt Randle. The second half was more challenging, with the Islanders digging deep and the tough weather conditions affecting play. A solitary penalty kick executed by Randle was the only score in the half, but it was enough to see Sandbach take the four points for the win. The match ended 0-17 and scrum-half Jake Jackson was awarded player of the match for his tireless work rate.

Director of rugby Andrew Bird shared his thoughts immediately after the final whistle: “It’s a really challenging place to come. Douglas have only lost one game here all season and we knew it would be challenging in terms of the logistics of the whole day. We set some targets early in the season and in the week and the boys performed really well today, so I’m delighted.”

This win was significant and made a statement on the team’s intent. However, Sandbach cannot be complacent and need to be ready to go again next Saturday for one of the biggest clashes of the season. The visitors, Firwood Waterloo, sit in second place but now have three games in hand. Only time will tell if this is an advantage or adds pressure on Waterloo. The Bach will be relying on all at Bradwall Road to spur the team on as they aim to remain at the top of the table.

Women & Girls Rugby

Looking ahead, the club will be holding two extremely exciting events for Women and Girls rugby later this month.

A new initiative called ‘New Me, New Sport, New Year’ for women’s rugby will be starting on Wednesday 29th January at Sandbach School. This is a non-contact activity session on the astroturf, aimed at attracting those to the sport who may not have tried it before. It starts at 7.15pm and you can contact sandbachwomensrugby@gmail.com for further information. Whether you are looking for a new sport, to get fit or for a social activity, this session is for you.

With increasing numbers each week, the girl’s section are excited to announce that they will be hosting their very own ‘Pitch up & Play’ event for U12, 14 and 16 girls at Sandbach Rugby Club on Friday 31st January. Kicking off at 6.00pm under the floodlights, this event is aimed at all players in those age groups and from the local area and wider county. Everyone is welcome, even if you are already a member of another club. These events kick start an exciting year for Women and Girls Rugby and there is plenty more planned for 2025.

Jos Gilmore

Meanwhile, former Sandbach Rugby youth graduate Jos Gilmore, who made his debut for Sale Sharks in November, has been selected for the England Men’s U20’s 6 Nations Squad. Jos started playing rugby at Sandbach for the Under 6s, before moving up through the age groups. The club wishes Jos the best of luck in the U20s 6 Nations campaign and will be eagerly watching his progress and cheering him on from Bradwall Road.

Next match:
Sandbach 1st XV Vs Firwood Waterloo 1st XV
Saturday 18th January – Kick-off 2.15pm
Bradwall Road, Sandbach