5th Team/Vets

Chester 0 - Sandbach 27 Sat 18 March 2000 In the first 3 o'clock kick-off of the year, Sandbach emerged worthy winners, but not without some drama. Playing down-hill in the first half, Sandbach pressured throughout the first quarter with the only reward for their effort being a penalty after 20 minutes. This was owing to some stern defence by Chester, but also some woeful handling by Sandbach. The relief of scoring seemed to take the urgency out of Sandbach's game and they reverted to defending for 10 minutes. The final period saw them apply further point-less pressure on the Chester line, with opportunities again scorned. As the teams turned round, a Chester player was heard to say "Come on Chester, this slope's worth 20 points". His words proved prophetic. Sandbach came out with all guns firing; and had scored a try within 2 minutes. Further pressure saw them score another try from the back of a scrum close to the Chester line; and a try immediately from the kick-off. Sandbach settled into a period of patient rugby and were rewarded with a fourth try. The last 10 minutes however, were spent on the Sandbach line, with wave after wave of Chester attacks following penalty-awards being stemmed by a determined Sandbach defence. Sandbach eventually cleared their line. The referee's resistance waned and he blew the final whistle. Man-of-the-Match: Robert Mayor Scorers: Mark Hale (1T) Steve Jones (1T) Robert Mayor (1T) Peter Reed (1P,2C) Steve Reeves (1T) Selection: 1. Steve Roe 9. Colin Stent 2. Robert Mayor 10. Chris Hughes 3. Roger Bradley 11. Andy Howells 4. Robin Pipe 12. Peter Reed 5. Keith Jones 13. Tony Walmesly 6. Steve Jones 14. Brett Reeves 7. Mark Hale 15. Ralph Davies 8. Steve Reeves 16. Tony Graveney