Sunday 12th March versus Leicester Forest – 22-19

Sandbach smother Leicester Forest’s fire

After an early night, a good night’s sleep and a monster buffet breakfast, Sandbach were ready to face Leicester Forest, county cup champions three years on the trot.

The pitch was even muddier than Syston’s the day before and wouldn’t have looked out of place as a set for a First World War battlefield. However, Sandbach were feeling quietly confident and the team approached the match with renewed energy. Leicester started better and were soon two tries up. However, Sandbach kept their cool and from a solid scrum on half-way, the ball came back nicely, down the back-line to Ky who went over on the corner. Sandbach attacked again and were soon in front of the posts and just short of the line when the referee penalised Sandbach for holding on. The opponents cleared and the half finished 5-12 to Leicester.

Sandbach were soon on the attack and from some great forward play, a Leicester player carried over his line but was robbed by Will Dale who scored the try, which was converted. The next try followed some good work from Ru Morgan who hacked on and chased the ball from his own half, hacked on again, hacked on again and then a Leicester player dived on the ball only to fumble and Ru was able to pick up and go over for a fine individual try. Having been in the wars with some great tackling, Will Gordon was bundled into touch and while receiving treatment, Sandbach took a tap penalty quickly, the ball went down the line sweetly and Ru Morgan went over for the score. Leicester then replied to set us up for a cliff-hanger finish with the score at 22-19.

Leicester had time for one final attack however a great tackle and rip from Angus Walker, saw the ball bobble loose for Sandbach to secure and kick to touch to finish the game. Final score 22-19.