Sandal 11 Scarborough 0
Having led the league from the opening day of the season Sandal confirmed their status as Yorkshire One Champions and their elevation to North Two East next season after a hard fought victory over east coast rivals Scarborough who pushed them all the way to the final whistle. Sandal controlled the early ball but it was the visitors who had the majority of the territory in the first half as they used the wind and slope to pen the home side in their own half. However it was the Milnthorpe Green men who had the first opportunity to put points on the board when quick hands from a loose kick saw no. 8 Richard Wade rampage up the left wing and with Scarborough desperate to slow the ball they conceded a penalty but the attempt hit the post and shortly after the visitors had a similar opportunity which drifted wide. Sandal finally broke the deadlock when fly half Tom Smith kicked a penalty following an incisive run up the right flank by centre Dan McCormack to leave his side three points ahead at the break.
Sandal generally had the better of the second half but neither side really threatened to get over the whitewash and it was left to home fly half Tom Smith to increase the margin to six points when the visitors infringed at a ruck again. With young centre Stef Lig and winger Dave Ell both looking sharp and threatening in attack the Scarborough defence was put to the test and their line was finally breached with the last play of the game when dynamic second row Rob Overton was driven over by his pack from a lineout to close the game off and allow the celebrations to start.
|