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An excellent team effort helped Sanbach 2s achieve another victory in the fiercely competitive Miller Homes league 2. Only 1 point separated the two teams in what was a battle to the very last minute. Sandbach travelled with almost the same squad as the previous week with several changes being made to the starting line up. Luke Butler returned from university comfortably slotting in at outside centre while Jay Titmuss moved out to the wing. Jamie Holland started the game at Tighthead while Dan Faulkner moved from the wing back into 2nd row (where he belongs!)
As always Sandbach started poorly, allowing Widnes a very easy unconverted score. Sandbach replied with a couple of quick penalties and a converted try (all points scored by Chris Greenhalgh) taking the scores to 5 – 13 in Sandbachs favour. Widnes responded with a try either side of half time taking the scores to 17 -13. Sloppy defending and complacency were to blame for both scores.
It was obvious that Sandbach had the upper hand in the scrums and were also dominant when mauling in attack. John Pemberton reminded the forwards to play to there strengths and that is exactly what they did. A lineout was awarded to Sandbach 10 metres from the Widnes line. A very efficient line out move to the back was a perfect platform for a maul. The effective Sandbach maul was too much for Widnes who in fairness did well to keep Sandbach out for several minutes. John Pemberton touched the ball down but this combined effort was well and truly a team try. Chris G failed to convert putting Sandbach in a 1 point lead. 17- 18. Nail Biter!
Widnes continued to put high balls up test out back three, a lucky bounce and a cheeky bit of skill by the winger saw them go over for a converted try. 24 - 18. In their eyes the game was won. But Sandbach had other ideas. 5 minutes remained on the clock and Sandbach once again planned to use the advantage they had in the forwards. Widnes were awarded a scrum inside there 22. Sandbach piled on the pressure and turned the ball over following on from an excellent counter drive by the Sandbach pack. Several phases saw forwards drive the ball in close to the Widnes line drawing in the Widnes pack 1 by 1. The ball was shipped out to John Pemberton who cleverly drew his man and put in an excellent inside pass to Jamie Holland who crashed over for his first of the season. Another excellent forward try. Chris G converted with the last kick of the game to make Sandbach the winners in what was a very tight evenly matched game. 24-25
MOM this week could have gone to anybody in the pack although Chris Greenhalgh deserves a mention as he scored 15 of Sandbachs points, well played Chris. Jack Escourt & John Pemberton were absolutely class on the day; there ball carrying, turnovers and mauling really helped the team. Richo Hughes did an excellent job at hooker as Neil Dey had to leave the field due to injury. Jamie Holland gets the vote this week for doing his job and doing it well. He battered his opposite man in the scrum and also managed to lift Blackers for the whole 80 & to top that he scored the winner. Well done mate.
As a team we really stood up on Saturday and I'd like to thank everyone that played for there commitment and effort throughout the game. It was a close battle but we deserved the victory.
Trys: Greenhalgh, Pemberton, Holland
Cons: Greenhalgh x 2
Pens: Greenhalgh x 2
Team: Hughes, Dey (Hassal) Holland, Faulkner, Blackwood, Wardle (Elphick) Escourt, Pemberton, Chip, Greenhalgh, Huss, Bailey, Butler, Titmuss (Gibson) Rees
Report George Elphick
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