Agency by William Gibson 
NORTHWICH 1ST XV 3 SANDBACH 1ST XV 28
(Northern Division, Regional Two North West)
Sandbach took the short journey to Moss Farm, Northwich on Saturday for the second game of the league campaign.
It was one each when the rivals met last season, with home advantage proving decisive. Both teams have now dropped down a division and are aiming for an immediate bounce back up (writes Rhys Fullerton).
Sandbach had a tough opening weekend with a loss to Burnage and Northwich were defeated by Vale of Lune so they were both itching to get a first win of the season.
Sandbach made two changes to the starting line-up from last weekend, with Dylan Sibanda starting at tighthead to make his 1st XV league debut, while Tom Holmes joined the back row.
It was an action-packed opening 10 minutes for Sandbach and the only thing that was missing was points on the board. From a scrum, Laurie Essenhigh, Sandbach’s scrum-half, scooped the ball and dashed to the try line, but Northwich halted his attack.
There were more attempts, but they couldn’t find a gap through a strong Northwich defence.
The Bach went wide to captain Jimmy Gore, who dummied, and attacked but was held up on the line.
Sandbach went again from a lineout, but Northwich’s defence continued to rebound the attack. The Bach had several other goes, but Northwich regained the ball and put an end to this passage of play leaving Sandbach disappointed.
Northwich had two kickable penalties, but one hit the post and the other drifted wide. The scores remained 0-0.
Sandbach had a strong opportunity when they stole the ball from a lineout. As their maul propelled forward, they were awarded a penalty, which resulted in another lineout 22m out. The powerful pack was brought down 5m out and a yellow card was shown to Northwich’s number seven.
With Northwich a man down, Sandbach chose a scrum, which they controlled as they drove towards the tryline. As they crossed over, the opposition pounced on the ball frustratingly preventing a try and the stalemate remained.
In the second half, Sandbach finally got what they deserved and opened the scoring with a try from Ryan Arundale.
The Bach had some patient phase play, moving the ball between wings before finding space in the centre. Arundale shrugged off the tackles to ground the ball and after a successful conversion by Henry Mitchell, Sandbach led 7-0.
The match was becoming much more open and Sandbach had the edge. They earned a penalty, which resulted in a lineout that was neatly taken by Holmes. Essenhigh made a lovely run only to be stopped in his tracks.
On the wing, Morris made a signature darting dash but was tackled. The tackler released him allowing him to get up and go again to make further ground. Morris found outside centre George Cole who pushed forward and eventually the Bach were awarded a penalty. Essenhigh took a quick tap and go but was dragged back by Northwich’s defence.
It was then down to the forwards to attack the line. Holmes got to 5m and the other forwards had a go at shifting the defenders before the ball was sent wide to Morris who eased over in the corner.
Northwich tried to gain control after the restart, but a penalty was given against them in Sandbach’s half. However, some words by Essenhigh to a Northwich player resulted in the referee reversing the penalty. Northwich went quickly, sensing an opportunity, and moved the ball wide only for Morris to expertly intercept it and run the rest of the half to score in the corner, much to Essenhigh’s relief.
Northwich earned a penalty shortly after and opted for a long kick to secure much-needed points. However, as soon as Sandbach had the same opportunity, they chose to kick from the tee and Mitchell added to his points tally with Sandbach leading 20-3.
Sandbach pursued at every opportunity. After Northwich regathered a kick in their half, full-back Harry Leese charged down their clearance and made a follow-up tackle, too. Northwich went for the kick again, only for Jack Seddon to charge it down this time.
Northwich were rattled and Sandbach quickly earned a penalty. Sandbach’s maul from the lineout continued to threaten and Mitchell marshalled his forwards as they continued to attack, although they were unsuccessful on this occasion.
Mitchell hit the target again from another penalty and Sandbach had one more attacking play as they dominated in Northwich’s half. Essenhigh went blindside from a scrum to find Morris on the wing. He rocketed through to score the final points of the day.
Hat-trick hero Elliott Morris was the deserved player of the match.
This result was the start of a monumental weekend of rugby and a clean sweep for Sandbach Rugby Club. The 2nd XV beat Preston Grasshoppers 52-17. The 3rd XV beat Northwich 2nds 39-12 and the 4th XV took on local rivals Holmes Chapel, winning 70-14.
On Sunday, the Junior Colts were victorious over Sedgley Park and the final game of the weekend saw the Senior Colts defeat Crewe and Nantwich, capping a fantastic weekend of rugby for Sandbach RUFC.
Next match: Saturday: Sandbach 1st XV v Bowdon 1st XV, kick-off 3pm, Bradwall Road, Sandbach.
(Photos: Andy Mitchell).
