We’ve had to wait a little longer, but the new league season finally kicked off on Saturday, with Sandbach hosting Northwich for a huge opener at Bradwall Road. It was the perfect start for the Bach as they ran in six tries, including a hat-trick from skipper Laurie Essenhigh to claim the neighbourly bragging rights.

This fixture is always hugely competitive and Saturday’s clash delivered on that front. Last season, it was honours even with both teams picking up home wins. However, it’s a new season and when it comes to a local derby, anything can happen.

Sandbach selected a host of familiar names but welcomed the return of some others. Former players Mike Barlow and George Bordill, both of whom have played at Championship level, are back at the club and were straight into the starting XV at inside centre and blindside flanker, respectively. Unfortunately Bordill did not come through a late fitness test and as a result Aaron Briscall moved up from the bench to the back row and Tim Young took his place as the other forward replacement. The match also saw former Sandbach Colt Murray O’Donnell make his 1st XV debut from the bench after impressing during the summer.

With the match underway, it wasn’t the start Sandbach were expecting as they gifted the visitors a penalty, resulting in a lineout from 5m out. Northwich’s maul then powered over to give them an early lead.

From there Sandbach settled into the game and with a penalty of their own they ended up with an attacking lineout. The maul formed and moved a little forward before the ball was distributed in field. Centre Ed Vitta found a gap and slipped through to run in the try for an immediate response.

A penalty from a scrum and Northwich had a lineout close to the try line again. Their maul formed and it looked like a replica of the first try, only on the opposite wing, however as they got over the line the ball was held up. The play remained in Sandbach’s half, with back and forth between the two teams. Northwich got close from a couple of penalties, but Sandbach defended strongly and with a penalty of their own, they cleared their lines.

Sandbach’s second try came from another penalty. With a lineout from 10m out, the maul slowly ebbed forward and eventually powered over the line. Hooker Will Bowbeer was in possession to claim the try and spot kicker Matt Randle slotted his second kick of the game to make it 14-7.
From the restart, Sandbach’s winger Elliot Morris got close from a run on the wing and it wasn’t long before they struck again. From a loose ball, fly-half Henry Mitchell found Bowbeer who made a break up field and his offload to Essenhigh saw the scrum-half run through to score his first try of the afternoon.

In the last minute of the half, Northwich put the pressure on close to the line, but they were eventually thwarted by Sandbach’s defence.
Sandbach pushed on at the start of the second half, scoring their fourth try within a couple of minutes. With a penalty in their twenty-two, Essenhigh went quickly with a tap and go and breezed through for his second try of the game.
Northwich responded with some patient play and earned a few penalties. After some phases, they kicked towards the corner and their winger took possession to dive over for the try, as they continued to chase the game at 28-12.

Soon after, Northwich threatened with a run on the wing but a thumping tackle from Essenhigh reduced the danger. The skipper showed off his defensive abilities and showed that he’s not just an attacking threat.

Sandbach’s fifth try came from a lineout intercept in Northwich’s twenty-two. The ball was played out wide and Randle took it on the overlap to run in the try.

Sandbach had now found their flow and were playing fast running rugby. From a Northwich kick, Sandbach countered and after a few offloads, Essenhigh ran it in to secure an impressive hat-trick.

From there, Northwich enjoyed a period of possession and despite some solid Sandbach defending, the visitors picked up a final try on the wing.

After that, there was a slightly scrappy period where Sandbach couldn’t get out of their own half and after a few scrum tussles, the final whistle blew. Sandbach won 40-19.

The win was the perfect way to start the season and there’s plenty to take forward into the next match. October is a busy month with consecutive games against Winnington Park, Manchester, Warrington, Widnes and Wilmslow. Saturday’s win sets Sandbach up nicely for another tasty home derby against Winnington Park. Saturday’s performance was only just the beginning. Sandbach will look to kick on from this win and make it two from two.

NEXT MATCH
Sandbach 1st XV vs Winnington Park 1st XV
Saturday 3rd October – Kick-off 3.00pm
Bradwall Road, Sandbach

Match Report by Rhys Fullerton