After a cold start to the morning the weather supported a fantastic team performance by Sandbach. We welcomed Macclesfield who always provide us with a stern challenge. With three of our coaches previously playing for Macc this fixture always takes on an elevated level of competition and this was evident in the changing rooms prior to the match. The team was nearly full strength with George returning to play the second half in the pack after his injury but Joe is still sporting his shoulder injury but we hope to see him back in a couple of weeks. Once again is was great to see Joe and Nathan S there to support their mates. They were rewarded by watching our most complete performance of the season.

The coaches laid out the game plan and this was followed to the letter. Sandbach lost the toss and kicked to begin the game. The forwards set their stall out immediately by thundering down the pitch to get under the ball. Catching it they threw themselves into the first contact like a train at full tilt. This was to set the tone of the game. Macc had little to answer the route one ball and Sandbach exploited this. Continuous pressure resulted in Sandbach breaking the line to score a very early try in the game. This pressure continued throughout the first half with great intensity, aggression and, most importantly, communication between the boys. During one passage of play Sandbach managed 17 phases of play which was rewarded with a try. Amazing at a junior rugby level.

The second half saw Macc come out with a renewed vigour. They exerted well worked plays which, only down to sustained quality defending, denied the never downhearted Macc a score. 12 months ago we would have leaked try's through poor tackling and complacency of being a number of points ahead. Not now and this shows the maturity of the team. Replacements were used and alternative positions tried but none of these changes upset the team structure or ability. A great testament to the depth we are now seeing in the squad.

Sandbach can take great heart from this performance, as all the coaches agree, we don't believe many teams could put fifty unanswered points on Macc.