Sandbach returned to winning ways and topped the table on Saturday, with a 29-12 win over Birkenhead Park. The Bach welcomed back George Perkins and Callum Oakden to the team, with the back line unchanged once again.
Heavy winds greeted the teams as the match got underway, providing a difficult challenge for both teams. Sandbach had an early chance with a lineout from a penalty. The maul formed before the ball was sent out wide. Sandbach got close and scrum-half Laurie Essenhigh made a dash for the line. The ball went back in field as they worked through the phases. From a penalty, Essenhigh went quickly and the ball went to George Perkins who was held up.

Both teams were sensibly playing with ball in hand, whilst keeping kicking to a minimum. Sandbach had another good opportunity, which started with Essenhigh passing to Mike Egglestone who took the ball into contact. The ball made it’s way out wide and full-back Harry Leese made a positive run out on the wing, but Birkenhead Park’s tackle took him into touch.

In the last ten minutes of the first half, Birkenhead Park were on the receiving end of two yellow cards and Sandbach needed to capitalise with a two-player advantage. From a Birkenhead Park kick, winger Matt Randle took hold of the ball and moved it to Leese. Centre George Cole was in support and he accelerated into space before being tackled. From a penalty, Sandbach sent the ball out wide. Eventually it made its way to Callum Oakden, last season’s Players’ Player and Coaches’ Player of the Season who was making his first start of the season. The away side tried to bring him down, but the big lock couldn’t be stopped and the try was scored.

Sandbach were under pressure shortly after the try. A chip and chase by Birkenhead Park forced Leese to bravely take the ball on the floor. Sandbach aimed to get to half-time without conceding any points, but Birkenhead Park earned a penalty and were 10m out. They moved through the phases but a strong defence from Sandbach held them back. The ball went out wide but went into touch and ended the half.

Five minutes into the second half and a kick from Perkins got Sandbach’s backs in full sprint as they chased the ball. Randle put in a great tackle as they applied the pressure. Birkenhead Park were now kicking into the wind and their clearance found touch but didn’t make it out of the twenty-two. From the lineout, Sandbach moved the ball in field and inside centre Ed Vitta found a gap to score his first try of the season. Randle kicked the extras and Sandbach were leading 12-0.

Birkenhead Park got their first points of the day after playing multiple phases in Sandbach’s twenty-two. Despite a big defensive effort, the ball went out onto the wing and a try was scored by the visitors. Sandbach responded minutes later with another try. With Birkenhead Park defending, Matt Davies put in a big tackle and the ball was won back. Winger Elliot Morris was in possession and offloaded to Vitta who was through for his second try.

The game was opening up, but the conditions stayed the same. Birkenhead Park scored again but minutes later Sandbach picked up a penalty and took the three points to lead 22-12.

From another penalty, Henry Mitchell delivered an excellent kick to touch and gifted Sandbach a lineout from 10m out. The maul formed and drove towards the line. Davies got hold of the ball and scored Sandbach’s fourth try to secure the bonus point. Randle converted and minutes later the match ended 29-12. Player of the match went to Callum Oakden.

This was an important win for Sandbach. They adapted to the difficult conditions and secured the all-important bonus point to move to the top of the table. Next week they travel to Lancaster for a tough clash against second placed Vale of Lune.

Match report by Rhys Fullerton

Next match:
Vale of Lune 1st XV Vs Sandbach 1st XV
Saturday 11th October
Powderhouse Lane, Lancaster