SANDBACH CARRY MOMENTUM INTO PLAY‑OFFS AFTER BURNAGE WIN
by Rhys Fullerton
Sandbach 1st XV 25-15 Burnage 1st XV
Saturday 11 April – Kick-off 3pm
Northern Division – Regional 2 North West
Bradwall Road, Sandbach
‘Bach finish third and face Widnes in a huge match on Saturday
Sandbach earned a hard-fought win over Burnage on Saturday in the final regular league game of the season. Their place in the play-offs was already confirmed going into the match, but the aim was to pick up maximum points and continue the momentum after recent wins against Altrincham Kersal and Winnington Park.
The two teams last met in September, on the opening day of the season, with Sandbach coming away with a 53-41 win. Both teams have had strong campaigns, with Sandbach starting the day in third place and Burnage in fifth. The visitors were in the play-off mix and were targeting the win to keep their season going, but in the end they dropped out of contention finishing in sixth. Sandbach had been aiming for second but finished the day where they began, in third place, securing third for the second consecutive season.
There were several changes to Sandbach’s line-up, with Elliot Morris back in the mix and bringing speed and experience on the wing. Sam Bromley and Mike Butler were in at 6 and 7 respectively, and youngster Dylan Husbands was brought in as a replacement. An incredible 14 of the 18 players are homegrown, having come through the Mini and Junior pathway.
At kick-off, the sidelines at Bradwall Road were once again packed and Sandbach were ahead almost immediately. Morris took a high ball and with quick footwork he beat several defenders before passing to captain Laurie Essenhigh, who went through for the opening try. Matt Randle slotted the conversion to put Sandbach ahead, a lead that they would maintain throughout this match.
Morris was involved once again in Sandbach’s second try. Burnage knocked the ball on, gifting Sandbach a scrum in the opposition’s 22. The ball went to Morris, who passed to Ed Vitta in support and the centre ran through easily to score his sixth try of the season. Randle converted and Sandbach were 14-0 ahead.
Despite solid defending from Sandbach, Burnage picked up a penalty and with a lineout from 5m out, they scored a try off the back of the maul. However, Sandbach increased their lead with a penalty kick, which Randle slotted and they now had a ten-point cushion. Burnage responded with another try to reduce the deficit. With numbers out wide and some slick passing back inside, they crossed for the score.
Before the break, Burnage picked up a yellow card for a high tackle, but Sandbach couldn’t capitalise with the extra player advantage and went in leading 17-12.
In the second half, Burnage started strongly and got close on the wing but knocked the ball on. Minutes later, and with a penalty opportunity, they took the three points to narrow the scores.
From Sandbach’s restart, Morris sped forward and athletically took possession, but the chance was short-lived when the ball went into touch. Burnage edged forwards and had another penalty opportunity from just over halfway to take the lead, but the kick hit the posts.
Sandbach were back in control and it was Morris’ turn to take some much-needed points with a try on the wing. The conversion went wide and Sandbach had a one score lead.
After the restart, Burnage were attacking but there was sensible defending from Sandbach, ensuring no mistakes were made and not letting them through. The Bach then spent a sustained period in Burnage’s half, with most of it in their 22. George Perkins thought he’d scored a try when he dived through a gap for the line, however he dropped the ball and lost possession.
With minutes left, Burnage were back in their half trying to play it out with the ball in hand. There was a dominant hit by Sandbach prop Joe Ball, who has impressed over the past few games. The home side got the ball back and earned a penalty, and with the clock in the red, Sandbach went for the points. This time Henry Mitchell was on kicking duty and he threaded the kick for three more points. The match ended with Sandbach winning 25-15 and Ed Vitta picked up the player of the match award.
With the conclusion of the regular league season, Sandbach now look forward to a massive home play-off match against Widnes on Saturday. They’ve beaten Widnes twice this campaign and if they win this one, they’d still have to win three more games to gain promotion. Sandbach deserve their chance, but when it comes to knockout rugby, past encounters and form can count for nothing. Now is the time to focus on one game at a time and what a huge game it is.
NEXT MATCH
Sandbach 1st XV Vs Widnes 1st XV
Saturday 18 April – Kick-off 3pm
Northern Division – Regional 2 North West Play-off
Bradwall Road, Sandbach
