Credit: Andy Mitchell
A busy weekend of rugby and a Sale Sharks debut for Bach youth graduate Jos Gilmore – match report by Rhys Fullerton
Eccles 1st XV 31-41 Sandbach 1st XV
Saturday 9th November – 2.15pm
Northern Division – Regional 2 North West
Gordon Street, Eccles
1st XV
After a week off, Sandbach 1st XV travelled to Eccles on Saturday where they came away 31-41 winners in a huge game.
Until the weekend, the two 1st XVs hadn’t met in a long time, however the two clubs meet often at Colts level.
Newly promoted Eccles have only won once this season and sit third from bottom.
The hosts would have been desperate for a win to end their four-match losing run, but Sandbach’s confidence was high after a positive start to their league campaign.
There was a welcomed return to the replacements bench for Sandbach’s Max Beadle, who has recovered from an injury and Josh Brookes was back in the starting XV.
Isacc Chennells, who has impressed for the 2nds recently, made his 1st XV debut.
It was an end-to-end high scoring game with both teams moving the ball around.
Both Will Bowbeer and Jimmy Gore put in excellent performances and Sandbach secured the win with tries from Matt Randle, Ryan Arundale, George Cole, Laurie Essenhigh, Will Bowbeer, Callum Oakden and Elliott Morris.
The player of the match, voted for by the Eccles team, was awarded to scrum-half Essenhigh.
Credit: Andy Mitchell
Immediately after the final whistle, director of rugby Andrew Bird gave his thoughts on the win: “It was scrappy and we didn’t play in the right areas, but we managed five points away from home, which we are pleased about.
“We have Vale of Lune at home next weekend and will be looking to get things right during the week in preparation for the big game.”
On Saturday, Sandbach welcome fifth placed Vale of Lune to Bradwall Road.
Vale of Lune are on a three-game winning streak, which the Bach will be looking to end with exciting fast paced rugby, spurred on by the home crowd.
2nd XV
The 2nd XV narrowly missed out on the win against Eccles 2nd XV, losing 12-8.
Jack Mullaney got the only try of the match and Oli Jones and Ant Dowell were joint players of the match.
3rd XV
The 3rd XV lost 52-7 to Prenton 1st XV and saw stand out performances from George Jones and Evan Edmunds. Player of the match went to Jacob Pickles.
4th XV
The 4th XV ran out comfortable winners against Leek 3rd XV. Aaron Ashton was the player of the match in the 28-7 victory.
Sandbach Rugby youth graduate, and current Sale Sharks player, Jos Gilmore surrounded by old team mates and coaches from Sandbach Rugby Club
Jos Gilmore
Sandbach Rugby youth graduate Jos Gilmore made his debut and scored the match winning try for Sale Sharks in their Premiership Cup clash with Doncaster Knights on Friday 1st November.
The former Sandbach flanker also played in the Shark’s 40-7 victory over Caldy on Friday night. Jos had been with Sandbach since the Under 6s and recently moved to Kirkham Grammar School on a rugby scholarship.
He was signed up to Sale Shark’s 24/25 senior academy in the summer and has represented England at under 18 level.
All at Sandbach Rugby Club are incredibly proud of Jos and will be keenly watching his career as it progresses.
Next match: Sandbach 1st XV Vs Vale of Lune 1st XV — Saturday 16th November – kick-off 2.15pm
