A cold blustery day on the east coast saw Sandal take on Scarborough in a fixture where historically Sandal have tended to come out on top. Sandal were in much need of a win to reboot their season. Scarborough’s new multi-million pound strategic investment plan has also spurred them on, where they look for a win against Sandal to continue their pursuit to the top.

Sandal started the game with good possession, playing a simple game with the ball being held in by the forwards which was just what was required, slowly making their way up the field. Unfortunately however, Sandals debut replacement scrum half Max Rowntree limped off after 7 minutes with an injury which could see him out for some time changing the shape of Sandal's attacking line up within the first 10 minutes.
Against the run of play Scarborough drew first blood with a penalty they duly converted. However, this didn’t falter Sandals game whom continued to play good rugby and after the restart they promptly marched back up the field. From Scarborough's 22, Sandal ran the ball through the backs to give Winger Henry West plenty of time and space to beat his opposite winger and score for Sandal. Hali Joannou kicked the conversation and Sandal were rightly so in the driving seat. A hard worked penalty in the 12th minute for Sandal kept the scoreboard ticking up with Hali comfortably kicking the penalty.
Both teams were tentative and great defence from Sandal kept them in the game as Scarborough tried to press home their home advantages. Sandal's defences were breached twice as the clock ticked down the first half however we heard again from Winger Henry West who from quick hands used the width of the field to round his opposite number and dot down for Sandal. With Hali Joannou adding the extra's, Sandal went into the half time break 17-15 to the good and were deserving of their lead at half-time.

Scarborough started the second half with intent and scored after 13 minutes. Sandal showed grit and determination in their defence and the second half was a well fought battle which could have tipped either way. Good line breaks from Karolis Navickas showed what he was capable of and Ibrahim Shamchiyev ran probing lines to try and break the deadlock. The game was in the balance. In the final 10 minutes, Scarborough made the break. Scoring multiple tries and running away with the win. The score line does not reflect the application and effort that went into this game. Sandals game management was much improved and I suspect if they had played in this way against York and Northern, those results would have been victories and Sandal would have a different standing.
Well done to Scarborough who did what was required on the day.

Reported by Justin English.