Seven tries scored in resounding away win

VALE OF LUNE 1ST XV 21, SANDBACH 1ST XV 48
(Regional Two North West)
Sandbach earned themselves a valuable back-to-back win on Saturday with a 21-48 victory over Vale of Lune in Lancaster.
Sandbach’s team sheet was largely unchanged from the previous week as they looked for consistency within the squad, as well as on the pitch.
Adverse weather had heavily affected the last two games, so there was relief that the conditions were clear and bright and both teams could play to their game plan, (ITALICS writes Rhys Fullerton).
Sandbach were welcomed off the bus by the U9 team, who had also made the trip north. Prior to the main event, the youngsters entertained the crowds with matches against Vale of Lune U9s. The young players, very much the future of both clubs, formed a guard of honour as the teams took to the pitch.
It wasn’t the ideal start for Sandbach as Vale of Lune regained possession from the kick-off.
A few minutes later, a neat chip in behind Sandbach’s defence resulted in a try and an early lead for the home side.
It took until 10 minutes in for Sandbach to hit back with a trademark short-range sniping run from scrum-half and 1st XV captain Laurie Essenhigh. Matt Randle kicked the extras to level the game at 7-7.
Vale of Lune took the lead again with a try on the wing but a couple of minutes later Sandbach narrowed the scores when George Perkins powered over from short distance.
Sandbach had edged close to the line and were working through the phases. With penalty advantage, Perkins received the ball and went over for his first try of the season. Randle’s conversion hit the posts and Sandbach were two points behind.
Sandbach took the lead for the first time after some quick thinking from Harry Leese. The full-back earned the visitors a lineout from 10m out after an excellent 50:22 kick. He didn’t stop there and ran upfield to take a quick lineout to centre George Cole, who ran in unopposed under the posts for the try. Randle converted and Sandbach were ahead by five points.

Catch and drive
Vale of Lune’s response was to take back the lead as former Sandbach player Harm Dokter scored from a catch and drive. However, with four minutes left of the half, there was time for Sandbach to score again.
There was another trademark run, this time from Elliot Morris. The lively winger capitalised on a loose ball by Vale of Lune with a kick upfield. He gathered the ball and ran through to score under the posts. Randle slotted the conversion and Sandbach went in at half-time leading 21-26.
Sandbach freshened up at the start of the second half, with Aaron Briscall and Tom Namguads coming on for former club captain Mike Egglestone and current club captain Max Beadle. An early penalty kick from Randle also extended the lead by three points.
Ten minutes later, Morris charged down a clearance kick, gathered the ball and sped through to score his second try of the day. Randle’s kick hit the posts for the second time that afternoon, but Sandbach had a healthy 13-point cushion.
Sandbach were starting to run away with it when Essenhigh scored his second. An interception left him with half the field to cover. The energetic skipper had no trouble with the distance and he ran through to score.
With three minutes left to play, Essenhigh secured his hat trick and the final try of the match.
Replacement Spike Street, who was on for Morris, took the ball off a neat offload and showed his ability with a nifty run to find Essenhigh in support for the try. Randle’s conversion sealed a resounding 21-48 victory in what was a highly entertaining game. Player of the match went to Laurie Essenhigh.
Sandbach return to Bradwall Road this week to face Firwood Waterloo, who have had a tough start to the season. Last season’s title challengers have lost five games from five and will be desperately seeking a win.
Sandbach, on the other hand, will be aiming to make it three consecutive wins and strengthen their position at the top of the table.

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Sandbach 2nd XV, meanwhile, beat Vale of Lune 2nd XV 17-61. Dan Simcox picked up the player of the match award for his outstanding performance throughout the game.
Sandbach 3rd XV travelled to Ellesmere Port, where they were beaten 65-19. The player of the match award went to both Fin Gould and Evan Edmunds, who put in a significant effort in a tough contest.
• Sandbach 1st XV play Firwood Waterloo 1st XV at Bradwall Road, Sandbach, on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.
(Photo: Andy Mitchell).