Sandbach's league campaign kicked off on Saturday with an important win away to Burnage. This fixture was a big one for the Bach after losing to their opponents twice last season, the only team in the league who managed to do the double over them. Winning away from home on the opening day of the season was a big test and one that Sandbach met head on.

Sandbach, led out by new 1st XV captain Laurie Essenhigh, had three debutants in their squad. Ben Jones was named in the second row, Sam Bromley started at seven and Jack Busby was on the replacements bench.

With the game underway, Sandbach were trailing early on after Burnage opened the scoring with a try. However, it didn’t take long for the Bach to level it. Winger Elliot Morris, last year’s club record try scorer, scored his and Sandbach’s first try of the season and Matt Radnle successfully converted it.

Burnage took the lead again with a penalty and then furthered it with another converted try but a catch and drive from Sandbach led to hooker Matt Davies getting over the line. Randle was efficient off the tee again and Burnage had a slender lead at 17-14.

Before the end of the half Burnage scored again, however Randle slotted a penalty to reduce the deficit and keep Sandbach in the hunt. At half-time Burnage led 24-17.

Early in the second half Sandbach’s new captain opened his scoring account for the season. The scrum-half had twenty-two tries to his name last season and this try will certainly be the first of many during this campaign. Randle’s kick levelled the scores and minutes later Sandbach took the lead with a try from centre George Cole.

Burnage went ahead again for what would be the last time in the game for them. Sandbach gained control once more with a try from Randle, which he also converted. The winger was racking up the points and he added three more to his tally with a penalty to move the scores to 31-39.

Burnage kicked a penalty to keep the pressure on but in the final ten minutes a try from fly-half Henry Mitchell kept Sandbach ahead. Burnage would get another try, however a second score from Morris in the closing minutes put Sandbach out of reach. Randle converted for the final time and Sandbach won 41-53. Player of the match was awarded to Mike Egglesone.

A try scoring bonus point in a win away from home was the perfect start to the season for Sandbach. This was a decisive victory and there will be plenty more to come from this promising team as the season continues.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Sandbach 2nds comfortably beat Eccles 2nds 68-5 at home. Oli Jones and Michael Butler were jointly named players of the match. Sandbach 3rds were also at home but lost to Prenton 1st XV 5-62. Player of the match went to Ethan Round.

This Saturday at Bradwall Road, Sandbach host Douglas from the Isle of Man at the earlier time of 2pm.

Next match:
Sandbach 1st XV Vs Douglas (I.O.M) 1st XV
Saturday 13th September – Kick-off 2.00pm
Bradwall Road, Sandbach