It was groundhog day for the U14, we have played Sandbach earlier in the season in the preliminary and drew them away again in the semi final of the plate.
It was a very different game than the earier encounter.
Last time our forwards struggled for quality possession in the first half and our back were sharp and incisive scoring several excellent team tries.
In this game our forwards were the match of the oppo. but our backs had several very good chances and failed to score. We had all the early possession and territory but lacked a cutting edge. We eventually managed to secure a try on the right wing with Matty C getting over the line despite a high tackle.(Penalty try)
With the wind behind us we needed further points to take into the 2nd half. We managed one further try from Ally H and went into half time with a 12-0 lead.
Into the wind second half, it could have been a challenging game but Saints controlled the game well and managed the possession and territory well.
Further tries from JP and Wardy kept us in contol of the game .
Sandbach used a Blitz defence giving us no time and we were found flat footed in attack, I would never criticise the ref , doing a difficult job , but on several occasions they were not picked up when clearly offside. We must learn to play the conditions and ref better, we knew how Sandbach were playing and we need to adapt our game accordingly.
Sandbach are a very good side and it was a good performance by the Lads. Capt - Euan , Tempo and Jacob G were outstanding in the back row. Sandbach have an excellent back row but I felt that our edge in that department tipped the balance our way.
We are through to the plate final, a local derby against Caldy.
Thanks to Andy and all at Sandbach for your hospitality again !
Final score - 22-7