Saturday 11th March versus Syston – 58-17

Sandbach performance out of this world versus Syston

Sandbach under 14s started their tour in style with an out of this world performance in line with their tour theme. After a smooth journey across the English Midlands, with only a couple of accidental detours from the mullet-sporting driver, including a visit to the Pukka Pies Factory, the team arrived in good time to warm up on the muddy Syston pitches. Prosecco consumption on the bus down had been somewhat muted and news that the bar wasn’t due to open until midday meant a full complement of parents were pitch size for the kick off.

Sandbach started brightly against a physically larger side with some excellent tackling. There was also plenty of good rucking, pick and go phases as Sandbach resisted early Syston attacks.

The breakthrough soon came for Sandbach as Isaac Chennels went over for the first try which was converted by Jamie Crampton, who was welcomed back after a 3 month injury spell. New team member Ky Pass was also having an impact with some excellent runs. The second try followed soon after. A cross-field kick from Jamie Crampton was followed up by Max Beesley and Isacc Chennels with Isaac scoring in the corner and the conversion attempt narrowly missing the posts. Syston fought back to with a converted try and the first quarter finished with the scores at 12-7 to Sandbach.

The second quarter started with some Syston pressure and only a memorable last man tackle from full back Josh Young stopped Syston from scoring. Sandbach were again going through the phases and after good work and a penetrating break from Ky Sandbach were again close to the Syston line . After good work in the ruck from George Harding, then a pick and go from Angus Walker, on the next pick up Toby Bywater was clear and over near the corner. Again, a difficult conversion was missed.

On their next attack, Sandbach were awarded a penalty, which Ru Morgan had the presence of mind to tap and go quickly with and score under the posts. Jamie Crampton was again able to convert.

Syston then scored again and failed to convert. The final try of the second quarter came from Ru Morgan who followed up the restart well and ripped the ball from his opponent and then sprinted on to go over under the posts. The try was converted and the second quarter finished with Sandbach 31-10 ahead.

At the start of the third quarter, Syston scored again and once more failed to convert. Sandbach were quick to respond and after another break by Ky, Syston had one the ball but then Ru intercepted the pass to score his hat-trick try which was converted nicely by Isaac Christian. The score at the end of the third quarter was 38-17 to Sandbach.

In the fourth quarter Syston were starting to tire but Sandbach were not finished yet. In an exciting attacking move, Isaac Christian made a good break, the ball was recycled well and passed down the line for Isaac Chennels to go over in the corner. The try was not converted. The next try followed a good break out of defence by Ky and passing down the line to Ru to finish off. Finally new boy Ky scored one for himself, collecting from the re-start and running the ball back to Syston to score in the corner. The final try was another beauty, with the ball coming back from a solid Sandbach scrum, Ru headed for the blindside, rounded the scrum and ran for the line from outside the 22 to score.

Final score 58-17 to Sandbach, with 10 tries scored, a great result! Also worth a mention was a great refereeing performance from a young ref who didn’t look much older than the boys.