Engines Firing

The away league game against Sheffield Engineers turned out to be a home game at Sandal with Sheffield's pitches unplayable. Sandal were hoping for a bonus point to help secure promotion, but the 17 all draw wasn't what they expected.

Sandal lost the toss and Sheffield opted to play with the slope. Despite the wind Sandal opened the game well with an excellent break by hooker Ben Brindley. Sandal then camped in the Sheffield half for 20 min with center Eddy Pitchford and back row Billy Addy making great runs. Sam Edge Sandal left winger made an excellent tackle which cut short the only Sheffield break out down the Sandal left wing.

Sandal's first try came from a ruck, with scrum half George Hulme passing quickly to Tom Smith stand-off, then Tom Knapton winger came into the line at speed making good ground to the right and offloading to Mike Coopey, who turned the ball left inside to prop Ben Morley who made an excellent short pass to Sam Edge, who dived over for the well worked try, just to the left of the posts. An excellent present for his 21st birthday. 5 nill to Sandal.

Despite the wind, Sandal moved the ball well for their second try, where again Tom Knapton made a break on the half way, passed inside to Billy Addy who off loaded to centre Eddie Pitchford at pace who dived over the line. 12 nill to Sandal with Jacob Barlow getting the extras.

Twenty minutes in Sheffield, following a lineout on Sandal's 5 metre line, caught the ball well and drove over for a good try.The half continued with excellent runs by speedy winger Suffy and centre Mike Coopey. 12-7 to Sandal at half time.

The second half started well for Sandal with Paddy Rowntree back row making a great break following a lineout. 25 minutes in, another Sandal line out 10m from the Sheffield try line. Sandal won the ball and drove forward, two rucks followed supported by second rows Will Kettel and Jon Guy and front row Tim Wicks, Ben Brindley and Richard Hoyland. Billy Addy, who had a great game, gained the ball and drove over for the try.17-7 to Sandal.

The last 15 minutes the wind rose and the hail belted down. An energised Sheffield pounded the Sandal try line and despite great defence, scored a push over try. 17-12 to Sandal.

Ten minutes to go, Sandal full back Jacob Barlow fielded excellently, a pressure kick by Sheffield to their winger. Rowntree, Kettel and Addy were rested for replacements: Jack Neisty, Joe King and Toby Farmer, who all played well and held back the onslaught.

Alas for Sandal, in the last minute Sheffield managed to drive over again and seal the draw at 17 all.
A fair result, with both sides being equally matched. Sandal's promotion is teetering on the edge. Next week a well deserved rest.
BK