From the kick off, Sandbach made the stronger start and had possession in the C&N half but failed to take advantage. C&N absorbed the pressure with solid defence before moving up field. A strong carry by Thomas Hollins setup possession five metres out, with the ball moving wide Mathew Pickering ran a great line as the ball popped up from the breakdown and would not be stopped. With Toby Evans taking the extras, C&N lead by 7.

Local derbies are always hard won, and Sandbach were also looking to get their own back for their 1-point loss to C&N at home earlier in the season. They quickly moved into the C&N half to score from a well taken pick and go that saw the score 7 – 5

On a wet day and with a slippery ball, still C&N committed to ball through hands and carrying hard to gain territory. The plan worked and once again moved C&N into Sandbach’s half.

The possession forced a penalty and from the resulting lineout a well worked maul set up Jacob Belfield-Upton to go over. With a difficult kick missed, the score moved to 12 – 5 to C&N.

Sandbach launched their next attack from loose C&N play that saw them get over for a try, however Sir had spotted the ball being played on the floor and Sandbach were denied. C&N responded immediately, with great backs move from a well held scrum on the halfway line. Bill Putt popped the ball into Luke Thomas who ran onto a great line and setup a two on one. The mud and wet ball denied an easy run in for his support, the chance went begging and C&N lead 12 – 5 at the break.

C&N put the first points up in the second half, Harry Oxley returned a Sandbach kick to set up a series of C&N rucks that the forwards moved up field. Dan Applin at 9 picked and went, popping up a great offload for a hard charging Thomas Hollins to run in and see the scores at 17 – 5

Sandbach could have rolled over at this point but came back at C&N strongly and forced the next score. A pick and go from a ruck after strong work by their forwards saw the scores back to 17 – 12.

The next score would prove pivotal at the end of the game. A massive drive from Oliver Griffiths forced a penalty, the kick for Joe Waterhouse was not easy but went over to see C&N back to 20 – 12.

C&N should have put the game to bed at this point, moving into the Sandbach 22 they could not take advantage of the possession and again the points went missing.

Once again, Sandbach came back at C&N and in the last play of the game forced over in the corner. With the extras well taken, for the second time this season a single point separated the two teams, C&N winning 20 – 19.

Many thanks to Sandbach and we wish them, well for the rest of their season.