Sandbach 1st XV 19-8 Altrincham Kersal 1st XV
Saturday 6th December – Kick-off 2.15pm
Northern Division – Regional 2 North West
Bradwall Road, Sandbach

Sandbach returned to winning ways on Saturday and remain second in the table after a hard-fought muddy battle against Altrincham Kersal.

After last week’s narrow loss to Winnington Park, Sandbach were forced to make some changes with experienced player/ head coach Tom Holmes returning to the starting lineup. George Harding, fresh from his debut last week, was promoted from the bench to the front row. Alex Boyce was handed his first team debut on the wing.

Altrincham got the game underway and gave Sandbach an early advantage when the ball bounced over the dead ball line. However, that advantage soon passed when Sandbach’s scrum was pushed back and the visitors earned the ball back.

The first points of the day came from a Sandbach attacking lineout in Altrincham’s twenty-two. The maul formed and then split before the ball was sent out wide. Sandbach patiently worked through the phases and the ball went to outside centre George Cole who strode through a gap for the try. After 13 minutes, Sandbach were leading 5-0.

Sandbach had another opportunity for more points from a penalty shortly after, but the ball sailed wide of the posts. Altrincham had a hopeful run on the wing, with plenty of players in support, as they had their sights on the try line. They thought they were through, but Sandbach’s Callum Oakden made a try saving tackle to halt the attack. Altrincham soon regathered and went through multiple phases to keep up the pressure, but Sandbach’s defence was solid and kept them at bay.

From a loose ball in Sandbach’s half, Boyce instinctively kicked it up field, only to be taken out in the process, putting an end to his debut. Play went on and Jack Seddon, Sandbach’s No. 8, gave chase and applied pressure on Altrincham as they gathered and kicked the ball out. Sandbach picked up a penalty moments later and the rolling maul from the lineout edged them close to the line. It collapsed and Sandbach went again but were eventually held up on the try line.

Five minutes before the end of the first half, Altrincham took three points from a penalty. Another strong defensive effort was required for Sandbach as Altrincham attacked and kept the ball alive. Eventually Sandbach won the ball back and the half ended 5-3.

As the second half commenced, Altrincham continued to attack and there were some big defensive shots from Sandbach’s Oakden, winger Rhys John and hooker Matt Davies.

Sandbach had an opportunity with a lineout from 5m out, however the ball was overthrown enabling Altrincham to gather and clear their lines. Moments later and the ball was up the other end of the field as the visitors intercepted and kicked it through. As the ball went over the line, Altrincham claimed the try.

With Sandbach now trailing, this was the wakeup call that they needed and there was an immediate response. From a Sandbach lineout in Altrincham’s half, the maul formed and the ball was quickly released. The ball moved to inside centre Harry Leese who made a direct run towards the line and dived over for the try. Matt Randle kicked the extras and Sandbach regained the lead.

It wasn’t long before Sandbach scored again. Scrum-half Laurie Essenhigh was taken out as he chased his own kick and earned a penalty. Mitchell kicked to touch and the unstoppable maul drove towards the line from the lineout. Davies had hold of the ball and he powered over for the try, his fourth of the season, and Randle converted once more.

The game was in the final ten minutes and Sandbach’s robust defence was required once again. Altrincham applied the pressure as they attacked but nothing came of it as they were held back and Sandbach claimed a 19-8 win.

Sandbach’s defending had been outstanding all afternoon and the effective rolling maul, steered by Holmes and Seddon was the difference. Player of the match went to Callum Oakden.

On Saturday, Sandbach travel to the Isle of Man to face Douglas. Last time they made the trip they earned a significant away win. Douglas, who have a game in hand, dropped down to fourth in the table after narrowly losing to West Park (St Helens) on Saturday. This fixture could prove pivotal for both teams’ title challenge and Sandbach and their travelling contingent will be hoping for a repeat performance of last season.

Match report by Rhys Fullerton

Next match:
Douglas (I.O.M) 1st XV Vs Sandbach 1st XV
Saturday 12th December
Douglas, Isle of Man