Miller Homes Leagues Division, 24th Nov 2007

Vale of Lune 3rds 7 v 16 Sandbach 2nds

As Vale of Lune saw it Sandbach made the long journey North full of confidence. Both sides were placed high in the League in fact both in close contact to promotion places After some confusion regards which pitch to play on the game took place on Vales showground pitch which considering the weather provided a perfect playing surface, well prepared by Vales excellent ground personnel. Sandbach started strongly and playing with a strong wind put Vale under pressure from the word go. Some careless mistakes in the early stages gave Sandbach three kickable penalties all converted by their fly-half a superb kicker of the ball. These early errors had put Vale in a difficult position, and although they would have the advantage of the wind in the second half further scores by Sandbach were putting a likely victory as a distinct problem. Sandbach put Vale in considerable trouble in the tight phases of the game, and continuous problems regarding infringements were making it difficult to get any continuity to their game. Sandbach proved worthy winners and now move up into 2nd place in the League. They will be a difficult side on yesterdays performance to overcome. Tony Holt who referees from the North Lancashire Group of Referees handled the game well. but continuous infringements on behalf of Vale were making things difficult for him. A couple of beers in the Clubhouse soon put things right, its always good to see him at Vale. Aaron Melville will now get his players together and get back to playing to the standards they have been showing all season to date. Fred Swarbrick As Sandbach saw it Another Win for the 2nds although I must admit this fixture had 'potential banana skin' written all over it. The lads took an age to get changed meaning we kicked off as soon as we got out onto the pitch. Despite the lack of preparation Sandbach started the match quite brightly taking the ball on well in the forwards and forcing VOL to concede several penalties. Chris Greenhalgh stepped up and converted three first half penalties to give Sandbach a 9 nil lead at halftime. The first try of the game was scored shortly after the break. Chris Greenhalgh again involved, this time with a cheeky grubber kick towards the VOL posts. The VOL fullback failed to gather the bouncing bomb and an in form Luke Butler touched the ball down for his 2nd try in 3 games. Chris G easily converted to extend Sandbachs lead to 16 Nil. VOL fought back with a converted try although Sandbach were to blame for not clearing the ball. Full time VOL 7 Sandbach 16 MOM: Chris G gets the nod this week for (another) sublime kicking display. Many thanks to everyone involved. It's good to get 17 men for one of our furthest away games. It was also good to hear after the game that VOL 3s have only lost twice at home over the last 12 months, both times against us! Tries: Luke Butler Cons: Chris G Pens: Chris G x 3 Holland, Busby, Hassal (Vernon), Faulkner (Elphick), Blackwood, Wyatt, Wardle, Pemberton, Chip, Greenhalgh, Titmuss, Butler, Dymond, Oakey, Rees George Elphick