Four teams competed at the home of Sandbach RUFC, Bradwall Road, for the Bradley Peace Memorial Cup.
For the third outing of the annual cup, things were a little different.
Instead of rugby’s mental health charity LooseHeadz RFC taking on Sandbach, this time the teams were joined by Linley and Kidsgrove RUFC for a special tournament.
Bradwall Road is becoming a second home for LooseHeadz, having hosted its Guinness World Records attempts earlier this summer, for the longest games of men’s and women’s rugby sevens.
The charity’s mission is to place a mental health champion in every rugby club around the world, ensuring that no player, member or supporter has to struggle alone.
Sandbach RUFC’s relationship with LooseHeadz began in 2024 when it hosted the inaugural Bradley Peace Memorial Cup between Sandbach Social XV and LooseHeadz RFC. Last year saw a thrilling double header, featuring both women’s and men’s matches.
This year’s tournament, and the previous year’s fixtures, were organised by Sandbach’s Mike Grapes, with the cup named in memory of his brother Bradley.
To make this year’s tournament work, Sandbach split their teams into two with the thirds, Sandbach Stormers, and the fourths, Sandbach Stallions, competing against each other.
The extreme heat this summer has left the playing surface very firm so matches followed the RFU adapted laws to ensure player safety. This and the friendly nature of the tournament didn’t make it any less competitive, and in fact, with the delay to the regular league season, there was extra incentive to play some strong rugby.
In the first match, Sandbach Stallions took on Sandbach Stormers. The Saturday was more typical rugby weather, with the rain continuing throughout the afternoon, making the ball greasy and producing countless knock-ons.
The Stallions opened the scoring as they worked through the phases close to the line. A pick and go from one of the forwards before they went over the top to secure the try.
Stallions increased their lead, but Stormers countered with a break on the wing and a try in the corner. The Stallions caught their own restart and a positive run and offload resulted in a reciprocal try and a two-score lead. Stormers responded with another try but it wasn’t enough as the Stallions took the win.
Next for the Stallions was Linley and Kidsgrove RUFC, who had beaten LooseHeadz RFC in their opener.
The Stallions continued their impressive start with a try in the first half, but it was a fairly even contest. In the second half, the Stallions would increase their lead with a charge down kick 10m from the opposition line. The ball was sent out wide and after a quick tap and go penalty, they crossed over for the score.
Sandbach Stallions would score two more tries and Linley and Kidsgrove eventually responded with a try in the corner. They would grab another, but it was too little too late as the Stallions were the runaway winners.
The final match for the Stallions was against LooseHeadz RFC.
The Stallions once again started strongly when they charged down a kick and went over to open the scoring. They were enjoying themselves and a drop goal attempt looked to have sailed over only for the referee to deny them the points.
LooseHeadz scored their first try in the corner after a series of penalties awarded in their favour and the match remained close at half-time.
After the short break, Sandbach Stallions increased their lead after some deft hands on the wing and a lovely offload for the try.
Some questionable decisions from the referee, who was having more fun than the players at times, resulted in a LooseHeadz penalty at the restart due to a “poor conversion attempt” from Sandbach. With a lineout from 10m out, LooseHeadz continued the shenanigans by encouraging every player to join it and they would eventually score in the corner.
With little time left, LooseHeadz secured a final try to take the lead and secure their win, giving the Stallions their first loss of the afternoon.
Throughout the tournament, the values of rugby were on display as matches were played warmly, enthusiastically and in high spirits, befitting the occasion. Sandbach Stallions were the eventual winners of the Bradley Peace Memorial Cup.
Whatever the make-up of next year’s fixture, the Bradley Peace Memorial Cup and LooseHeadz will be back at Bradwall Road and mental health in rugby will once again take centre stage.
For more information on LooseHeadz, visit looseheadz.co.uk and follow #TackleTheStigma on social media.
