Sandbach continued their fine form with another win on the road, this time against Warrington. The Bach scored six tries to beat the league newcomers in a tough match at Grappenhall Village Sports Club on Saturday.

After last week’s narrow win against Manchester, Sandbach were forced to make several changes. Full-back Harry Leese was unavailable, meaning that Murray O’Donnell, who has impressed off the bench, earned his first 1st XV start on the wing. Matt Randle moved to full-back, whilst Alex Boyce came in to provide cover. In the forwards, Aaron Briscall moved to the second row, with Ryan Arundale coming on to make an impact as a replacement.

Warrington came into the league off the back of back-to-back promotions. They have shown that they can hold their own in this league with a narrow loss in their opening game of the season against Manchester and in their away win over Kirby Lonsdale last weekend. They did suffer a heavy defeat away at Northwich, but it was likely to be just a blip, with several of their team missing that day.
Sandbach came into the game looking to continue their impressive form, make it four wins from four and maintain their place at the top of the table. They were made to work hard for their win, with a lively Warrington outfit making the visitors defend, but in the end the Bach came out on top.

With the match underway, Sandbach opened the scoring after nine minutes when outside centre Ed Vitta crashed over for the first try. A catch and drive had pulled the defence in, allowing Vitta to score. Randle’s conversion gave Sandbach an early lead.

A few minutes later and Elliot Morris had increased Sandbach’s lead with a try in the corner, his fifth of the season. Warrington responded with their first try of the game from winger James Hartill and a penalty shortly after, which left them two points behind at 10-12.

Sandbach capitalised when Warrington gave away a penalty for a deliberate knock on. Morris went quickly and the ball was recycled before Vitta scored his second try of the day and his third of the season so far.

With five minutes left of the half, Sandbach were working through the phases as Warrington conceded a penalty in front of the posts. They opted for the points and Randle slotted the kick to give the visitors a ten-point lead.

Just before the break, Vitta made a break in the centre and put scrum-half Laurie Essenhigh through for the try and to secure the bonus point. Randle’s kick gave Sandbach a healthy 10-27 lead at half-time.

Sandbach started the second half with a try after a couple of minutes. Essenhigh took a quick tap penalty for a no arms tackle to score under the posts. The skipper now has nine tries to his name this campaign, as he chases his 20 try total from last season. Randle slotted the extras once more.

There was a 13-minute period without any scoring, which Warrington broke as forward Sean Callander forced his way over from close range. Sandbach had given away a succession of penalties and were punished for it. Warrington got their third try four minutes later thanks to second-rower Will Morgan, which left them chasing 12 points after the conversion.

However, there would only be one more try and it was for Sandbach as George Bordill scored his first try of the season. Bordill, who played at Championship level in Scotland before returning to Sandbach this summer, was making his third start of the campaign. The blindside flanker forced his way over for the try after several phases following a driving maul. The final score was 22-39 to Sandbach.

It was a big defensive shift from Sandbach to keep Warrington out and deny them a try scoring bonus point. The home side had claimed a bonus point in every game so far, which makes this feat even more impressive. Sandbach’s organisation and resolve were key to their win and they now sit two points ahead of Birkenhead Park at the top of the table.

On Saturday, Sandbach return home to face sixth placed Widnes at Bradwall Road. The teams met three times last season, with the Bach winning all three, including a promotional playoff eliminator match.

After two tough but impressive weeks on the road, the familiar surroundings of Bradwall Road will be welcomed, as Sandbach aim to keep their spot at the top of the table.

NEXT MATCH
Sandbach 1st XV vs Widnes 1st XV
Saturday 24th October – Kick-off 3.00pm
Bradwall Road, Sandbach