A mild afternoon welcomed Sandal Saracens to their encounter with Sheffield 2's at Abbeydale Road, Sheffield.
Sandal Saracens have been playing in the merit league until this season where they have entered the Yorkshire League. This is their first season in this league structure and they are keen to impress. Sharing players with Sandal 1XV has created its challenges this season and Sandal enter their 7th league fixture having won 2 and lost 4. Sheffield on the other hand are at the top of the league and have had a good start to the season.
The first exchanges set the tone for the game with quick distribution between Marcus English (9) and Vinnie banks (10) and a clever chip through from Banks almost had Deacon Burton over the line in the first 5 minutes. The deadlock was soon broken by Sandal with a lovely miss out pass from Banks to Charlie Beeney to see him over the white wash after 10 minutes. Despite good defence from Harry Roper and high energy from the relatively young team, Sandal made a few errors which gave Sheffield territory which they capitalised on with a couple of tries in quick succession. From the restart Sandal worked hard and were rewarded with a penalty from quite a distance out which was neatly slotted through the uprights by Vinnie Banks. Sheffield responded and with their heavier pack, pushed sandal close to their line and went over to move their score line forward.
From the restart, Banks charged down Sheffield attempt to exit which gave Sandal field position on their 22. Great hands from Sandal's backs saw a training ground move come to fruition and Callum Evans scored and with the extras from Banks, Saracens went into half time 19 - 15 down but everything to play.
The second half saw Sheffield stronger pack start to dominate and despite great defence from many including Scott Seckham, Sheffield kept their scoreboard ticking over. Saracens did not let Sheffield have their own way. Substitute J Balde made an impression and his attacking runs lit up the game, as did strong running from Harry Roper and and Vinnie Banks. Saracens attacking intent was always there and a well worked move had Scott Seckham break their line and drag two defenders over the line to score for Sandal. The referee deemed a high tackle and Sandal were awarded a penalty try so no conversion was required. Despite a huge effort from the Saracens, Sheffield were too much and the full time score was 38-22. The man of the match was Connor Everington.

Match Report - Justin English