Unbeaten Sandbach scored four tries and picked up a bonus point on Saturday in a hard-fought win over Birkenhead Park to extend their lead at the top of the table. Elliot Morris scored another hat-trick and some fine kicking from Matt Randle capped off a superb victory. Joe Ball, who’s played some fantastic rugby so far this season, was deservedly named player of the match.

Before kick-off, both teams observed a minute’s silence for Armistice Day and in memory of Neil Dey, who tragically died ten years ago to the day and whose family sponsored the match. The memorial match was also dedicated to the memory of other loved ones from the wider rugby community who are no longer with us.

The home side had named an unchanged starting XV for the first time this season, however, a late withdrawal from 1st XV captain and scrum-half Laurie Essenhigh saw 2nd XV co-captain Jake Jackson promoted to the first team.

Sandbach had a further setback in the opening exchanges. Prop Archie Lea, a mainstay in the 1st XV for the past couple of seasons, picked up a nasty knock and left the pitch.

Second place Birkenhead Park put Sandbach under pressure early on when they had a 5m lineout from a penalty. Sandbach had to defend and Jackson cleared the ball. Moments later, Sandbach had crept into the opposition half and picked up a penalty and up stepped Randle to take the three points. Minutes later Birkenhead Park had a penalty in a similar position and they also went for the points, and the scores were level.

From the restart, lock Ryan Arundale charged into the tackle and made several metres. The ball was played wide to Morris who had his first sprint of the afternoon. Sandbach were awarded another penalty and once again went for the three points, which Randle slotted. Both teams were being cautious and Sandbach had a slender 6-3 lead.

It was a tough physical battle, on and off the ball, with the forwards leading from the front, but the first try came from some smart play by Jackson. With a penalty in Birkenhead Park’s half, the scrum-half took it quickly and ran, before passing to Morris who breezed through for the try. Randle converted and the winger’s reliable boot was called upon again when Sandbach had another penalty opportunity. The successful kick put them 16-3 ahead.

Birkenhead Park reduced the deficit before the end of the half. They were short of the tryline from a quick tap penalty and broke through a strong Sandbach defence to score. Both teams would be glad to hear the whistle after an arm wrestle of a half. It was fast, ferocious and occasionally scrappy.

In the second half, Sandbach were the first to score after successive phase play near the line. From a lineout, the maul got close before outside centre Ed Vitta ran for the line. Fellow centre Mike Barlow also got near before the ball went out to full-back Harry Leese who found space for the try in the corner. A fantastic kick from Randle nudged the scores to 23-8.

The visitors had a strong period of possession and were rewarded with a try off the back of their maul. Sandbach however were finding their stride. Ball once again showed his strength with a huge carry and Leese, who was Sandbach’s captain, made a lovely run. The ball was sent wide but was too high for Morris, however the winger reacted first, gathered the ball and crossed the line for his second try.

Morris wasn’t done and shortly after, from nowhere he scored again. The speedy winger broke the defensive line and with several defenders left to beat, made multiple sidesteps, leaving the flailing defence dizzy as he scored in the corner. This was Morris’ second hat-trick in successive games and Sandbach had earned their bonus point.

In the final five minutes, Birkenhead Park went in search of points, playing ball in hand and despite multiple penalties in their favour, they couldn’t capitalise on it. The match ended 37-15.

Sandbach took the game to Birkenhead Park in the second half and made them pay. A robust defence, Randle’s accurate kicking and Morris’ try scoring prowess were the difference.

After a gruelling seven games on the trot, Sandbach have a well-earned rest before going again against Burnage a week on Saturday.
The Bach sit seven points clear at the top of the table and have already seen off the teams sitting in places two to five. They’ve had many obstacles thrown their way and even in the face of adversity, they appear to be unstoppable.

NEXT MATCH
Burnage 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV
Saturday 21st November
Varley Park, Stockport
Match Report by Rhys Fullerton