Cheshire plate Quarter Final
The pitch was in excellent condition for Sandbach to welcome Caldy to Bradwall Road for their quarter final of the Cheshire Plate competition. Some rain in the air did make handling conditions difficult and the first few phases of play resulted in dropped passes from both sides. As is so typical for the Sandbach boys, the opposition mastered the conditions much quicker and were able to create two excellent tries in the first 7 minutes through their speedy backline. Sandbach came back into the game, but were unfortunate to concede a third try when a kick through and subsquent foot race was won by the Caldy back. At 17:0 down, there were some who had visions of the 66:0 defeat that Caldy inflicted at Bradwall road in November, but this Sandbach team are maturing and developing as a squad. Powerful forward play pushed the Sandbach effort onto the Caldy 22 for extended visit, which resulted in a try for the inside centre. Sandbach deserved even nore reward, but a held up over the line and a missed penalty kept the score at 17:5. The Sandbach pressure was finally relieved just before half time when a fine individual effort from Caldy was scored from their own 22.
There were a couple of changes at half time to freshen up the team and the forwards again led from the front and met Caldy's challenge. There was also an improved effort in defence, which limited the Caldy passing game. The only score of the second half came from the Sandbach inside centre. The coaches were pleased that all of the 20-man squad did play some part in the match and the introduction of substitutes did not disrupt the overall effort of the team. Thanks to Caldy for a great game of rugby and we wish you luck in the remainder of the Plate competition.
The Sandbach boys should be pleased with the way that you played this quarter final - there have been major improvements in your game since Christmas and you will only get better. You played as a team and the coaches were relieved that we don't award Player of the Week anymore - too many to choose from.
Tries - Ewan x 2
Squad - Billy, Danny, Ewan, Harry W, Harry D, Sam, Jonno, Louis, Joe V, Joe B, Matty B, Owen, Oliver, Lawrence, Tom W, Thomas, Kieran, Leo, Gilly, Frazer.