Junior Colts
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Sandbach 19 - Aldwinians 0 |
Sun 28 January 2001
Aldwinians were in confident mood for the trip to Bradwall on the back of a comprehensive victory over league leaders Birkenhead Park the previous week. Whereas a reorganised Sandbach, due to non-availabilities, were still looking to kick start the league campaign and avenge the away 14-9 defeat back in October.
The game plan was to run their big forwards around until they tired, then exploit the gaps as they appear (sounds so simple when you write it down), in reality Aldwinians forwards battered away at Sandbach fringe defence time and again, only to be hammered back by the outstanding performance from Sandbach back row.
It was fitting that a key moment that was to change the game came from number eight Pickles, who after securing a turnover, sprinted 40 meters, deep into the Aldwinians 22, before being pulled down, from the resultant ruck flyhalf Hughes dissected the centre defence to cross for the opening try converted by Pickles.
This seemed to knock Aldwinians confidence as Sandbach seized the initiative and changed the game completely, running the ball wide to the wings left and right, asking questions of their defence, as the gaps appeared Sandbach left winger Morgan crashed over in the corner for an unconverted try.
For the last five minutes of the first half Aldwinians launched a concerted assault on the Sandbach line, the defence was immense, continually repulsing their attacks until the respite came with the half time whistle.
As the second half began Aldwinians seemed to have lost the plot, rather than playing to their strengths and keeping the ball tight, they kept kicking the ball deep which played into Sandbach hands, allowing right winger Billy (Whizz) Rees to return with interest, he was pulled up just short of the line, Aldwinians infringed, the ever alert Bird took the free kick quickly to feed Pickles who again showed that he is unstoppable from five meters, who also added the extra points for the conversion.
Sandbach again forced to reorganise at the retirement of centre Jarmen, continued their attack but were unable to add to their score.
This was a magnificent performance against a team second in the league, with only the second total shut-out this season in what is becoming a very competitive league.
Sue Meyrick
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