Sandbach beat Widnes on Saturday to earn their fourth-straight win. Playing away from home, the league leaders scored four tries to secure a bonus point victory, despite a fightback from Widnes.

Sandbach made several changes to their starting lineup with spot kicker Matt Randle moving to ten. Utility back Spike Street, who has brought energy and versatility off the bench this season, started on the wing. Ben Verbickas was named as a replacement after impressing for the 2nds recently.

Widnes were beaten by Sandbach three times last season, twice in the league and once in the cup. However, after losing their opening two games, Widnes had found their form and had won four on the bounce. They weren’t going to make it easy for the Bach.

Sandbach had an outstanding opening quarter and took the lead after nine minutes when last season’s Players’ Player and Coaches’ Player of the Season, Callum Oakden, opened the scoring with a try. Randle converted to give the Bach a 0-7 lead.

Three minutes later and George Perkins scored his second try of the season. Randle kicked the extras and he was back at the tee almost immediately when 1st XV captain Laurie Essenhigh went over for Sandbach’s third try. The scrum-half has started all seven games this season and that try took his tally to five so far this campaign. Sandbach had a healthy early lead at 0-21.

It was Widnes’ turn to get on the score board with a try from their centre Kevin Leadbetter. Liam McGovern converted and the fly-half kicked three more points before half-time when Widnes picked up a penalty. As the half ended, Sandbach went in leading 10-21.

Early in the second half, Widnes continued their fightback with a try by Thomas O’Neill. McGovern converted once again to narrow the scores to 17-21. Another converted try five minutes later from number eight O’Neill put Widnes in front for the first time in the game.

With less than twenty minutes remaining, Sandbach regained the lead and scored the final points of the match when Ryan Arundale touched down for his first try of the season. Randle made it four out of four conversions to take his personal points tally this term to ninety. The match ended 24-28 and Sandbach had secured the bonus point win. Skipper Laurie Essenhigh picked up the player of the match award.

Elsewhere on Saturday, the 2nd XV gained an even narrower win against Widnes 2nd XV, ending the home sides six-game unbeaten run. Jack Oakes was awarded the player of the match in the 21-22 victory.

Rugby takes a break this weekend and will return to Bradwall Road the following week when Sandbach entertain newly promoted West Park (St Helens), at the earlier kick-off time of 2.15pm. After a week’s rest, Sandbach will be seeking to build on recent performances and maintain their strong winning run.

Next match:
Sandbach 1st XV Vs West Park (St Helens) 1st XV
Saturday 8th November – Kick-off 2.15pm
Bradwall Road, Sandbach

Match Report by Rhys Fullerton