Sandbach’s 2025 unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday in an agonising loss at the hands of Vale of Lune. The Bach had won five matches in a row, but they came up short in the 32-29 narrow loss.

Last weekend was a rest week for Sandbach as their closest league rivals Firwood Waterloo and Bowdon played their rescheduled games. Both teams were victorious and reclaimed the top two promotion spots, pushing the Bach down to third. Vale of Lune were sat in fourth place after a strong season and have only lost once at home this campaign. Saturday's fixture was always going to pose a challenge.

There were no major changes to Sandbach’s starting lineup. Josh Brookes was back in the squad after a short stint with the 2nd XV and he was joined by player and head coach Tom Holmes. These experienced replacements were vital to Sandbach staying in the game after an unexpected first half.

Two early tries for Vale of Lune set the tone for the match but a red card for both teams after 22 minutes would have a huge effect on the game. Sandbach were forced to replace winger Matt Randle with Will Bowbeer in order to contest the scrums. Having two hookers on the field for the remainder of the match, wasn’t part of the gameplan and the team were forced to adapt.

Sandbach fought back in the first half, scoring two tries of their own. The first from a catch and drive and the second by scrum-half Laurie Essenhigh. The scrum-half snuck around the side of a driving maul to ground the ball. Fly-half Henry Mitchell took over kicking duties from Randle and his conversion kept the Bach in the game. The first half ended with Vale of Lune leading 19-12.

Winger Elliot Morris earned his 31st try of the season early in the second half after receiving the ball from George Cole, who had made a run through the middle of the field. Mitchell converted and five minutes later he put Sandbach in the lead for the first time with a penalty kick. The lead was short lived, however, and a penalty for Vale of Lune was swiftly followed by a try to give them a 29-22 lead with ten minutes remaining.

Sandbach levelled the game late on when Cole got a try of his own and Mitchell once again kicking the extras. In the dying minutes Vale of Lune kept play alive and were eventually awarded a penalty within kicking distance. Vale secured the points to deny Sandbach the draw and the match ended 32-29.

It was a painful loss for Sandbach, but they can be consoled by picking up two bonus points and for taking it to the final seconds. Ali Burton gave an outstanding performance and Mitchell did his best to keep the Bach in the game with his boot, but player of the match went to Laurie Essenhigh.

Sandbach go again next week when they make the short trip to Northwich to face Winnington Park. A win for the Bach will be crucial as they look to stay in the mix. With the top two teams coming away with wins, all eyes will be on them next weekend when they face off against each other. The battle for promotion is set to go down to the wire.

Elsewhere, Sandbach 2nd XV put in another huge performance on the road and came away winners with a convincing 31-17 victory against Vale of Lune 2nd XV. Oli Jones picked up the player of the match award.

Back at Bradwall Road, the battling 3rd XV lost to Broughton Park 2nd XV. The visitors were too strong for the home side, but the Bach never stopped battling. The club wishes Brad Wilson a speedy recovery after he had to leave the pitch within the first 5 minutes of the game.

Next match:
Winnington Park 1st XV Vs Sandbach 1st XV
Saturday 8th March
Burrows Hill, Northwich