A hastily re-arranged fixture saw Sandal travel to Old Crossleyans for an early kick-off on a glorious Autumnal morning. The Old Crocs girls combined with players from Old Brodleians and Littleborough to field a full side against a Sandal team fresh from scoring 19 tries the previous weekend. Before the game started all participants and supporters joined together for an impeccably observed minute's silence in memory of the Queen.

From the starting whistle both sides showed intent with strong running matched by equally strong defence with neither team gaining the upper hand. Finally, a break from Old Crocs put a runner away down the wing but Lucy, showing impressive pace and determination, chased hard and made the tackle. From there, Sandal exerted pressure in midfield and a strong run from Olivia drew the defence to make space for Isla to break through. Her well timed pass put Esther in to score in the corner with Poppy following up, just to make sure. Orla converted from a difficult angle.

Straight from the kick-off Sandal were back on the attack. A powerful run by Harriet led to a quick ruck midfield. Daisy picked up at the base and jinked past the defence but was tackled short. Working hard in support, the forwards secured the ball allowing Orla to draw the defence and pass to Lucy who scored out wide.

Old Crocs were struggling to find any shape or coherence - Grace and Lillie were destructive in defence forcing ball carriers to retreat and causing mayhem in the opposition's ranks. In contrast, Sandal were organised and able to string multiple phases together. A sublime pick-up and pass from Orla started a relentless set of phases as Sandal marched up the field for Olivia to barnstorm over from close range.

At this point, perhaps in an attempt to cause confusion, the Old Crocs combined team decided to remove their bibs revealing a Littleborough kit that divided opinion on the touchline. Unphased by this Sandal continued to dominate in defence. Esther won a penalty at a ruck with some keen jackaling and from the tap Lauryn attracted several defenders with a robust carry. There was space out wide and Orla stepped through to score, converting her own try.

Sandal continued to pressure Old Crocs in attack and defence forcing them to concede a goal-line drop out. Somehow, Isla plucked the ball from the air as it was still travelling upwards from the drop out and ran forward, looking certain to score. She was tackled just short but Harriet, demonstrating great awareness, picked up and found a gap to touch down.

The Sandal defence remained firm and from a loose ball Daisy made a darting run through the defence, winning a penalty at a ruck close to the try line. Using her strength to great effect, and showing great technique, Ava forced her way over.

Old Crocs finally found some momentum and their strike runners started to make ground. But the Sandal defence kept their shape and a string of tackles from Lillie pushed Old Crocs back a full 20 metres. A particularly fierce tackle dislodged the ball and Harriet was quickest to react, gathering the ball and setting up an attacking ruck. Quick hands and direct running from the backs put Lucy into space who scored with Eve available in support. Orla converted.

Lucy again was influential in the next score. Effective rucking and carrying by the forwards created uncertainty in the Old Crocs' defence but the attack was heading laterally across the pitch. Seeing a gap on the inside, Lucy cut a line against the grain and burst through, linking with Orla who touched down for the try.

The final passage of play started with Esther making an athletic break, offloading to Lucy in support. Competent handling found Lillie on the overlap who finished in the corner for a thoroughly deserved try.

This was another accomplished team performance with everyone contributing. Hattie and Sophie were powerhouses in the loose, taking resposibility for bobbling balls and making ground effectively. Poppy was everywhere, securing rucks one minute and gliding through the defence the next. An outstanding defensive effort from Eve and Izzy shut down all the opposition's attacking options down their wings. Isla gave the backs impetus with some potent straight running and proficient handling. Daisy was a constant threat at scrum half, distributing with applomb whilst always looking to dart and snipe through gaps. In a game where Sandal scored 9 unanswered tries it was the defensive effort of player-of-the-match Grace that stood out the most. She quietly went about the business of destroying all the opposition's attacking plans showing perfect tackle technique and a huge amount of courage.

Credit should go to the combined opposition today - they never gave up and kept Sandal honest right up until the end and should be proud of the fight they showed.

Sandal may meet stiffer opposition in the future, but right now they look hard to beat.