On a day when the main pitch at the Vale looked its absolute best being freshly marked out and having dried out from the incessant rain that has seen many matches postponed this winter, a much under strength 2nd XV with only 2 regular 2nd team members available the Vale were about to start with only 13 men when the effervescent Aaron Melville volunteered his services to ensure that the Vale could start with 14 and allow Sandbach to start with a full team. Thanks also go to Luke Ford who was unable to travel to the Isle of Man and volunteered his services for the 2nds.

Unfortunately with the Vale being short of front rows the match had to proceed with uncontested scrums throughout the whole match

In addition by half time Tom Smith and Ben Pye had turned up and volunteered their services for the 2nd half. They were well needed because by that time the Vale had been reduced to 12 men due to injuries to Will Horner and Adam Newton.

Sandbach arrived with a full complement of players and indeed their 1st team coach, who explained his reasons for being here. Sandbach hadn’t a 1st team match and he was playing 5 from their 1st team to give them game time, which would make Vale’s job even harder.

Early on in the match surprisingly the Vale took it to the Sandbach boys with Luke Ford well to the fore. His rumbustious runs created holes which the young lads strived to make use of. He was well backed up in the loose by Isaac Turton, and all others in a 7 man pack. However, the class of the Sandbach team started to show who were well marshalled by their 19 year old fly half who barely looked 16 but is a class player and is a regular for their 1sts. With only 8 minutes gone their backs had shown their class with one of their centres cruising in for the 1st try. Their number 12 didn’t have the best of days kicking and missed this one.
Within a couple of minutes the fly half had jinked his way over for another unconverted try.
Unfortunately Will Horner was injured in a collision with the Sandbach prop and had to leave the field not to return. A sad day for the youngster. Shortly after Adam Newton caught his studs in the ground and twisted badly forcing him to leave the pitch also. Down to 12 men, but Sandbach responded in kind by removing a man each time, a very sporting gesture. It was then 13 v 12

Shortly after that the Sandbach prop burst his way over for another unconverted try.

There was then a burst upfield from the Vale and when the ball was moved swiftly out left with Matty Humpage cutting through to score a lovely try wide out which Aaron Melville was unable to convert into a strong wind.
This showed the effort the lads were putting in against the League leaders.

However, being a man short all the time was having an effect on the Vale lads and Sandbach scored another couple of tries before half time, both being converted. 5 – 29 down but still full of fight for the second half.

Tom Smith and Ben Pye had arrived by then so were able to bring the numbers up to 14 once again allowing Sandbach to have a full complement.

Three tries in the first 10 minutes of the second half couldn’t quell the spirit of these youngsters. By the 60th minute Sandbach had scored their ninth try but still the lads didn’t give in. In the 66th minute an excellent breakout resulted in a well taken try by Luke Ford, well deserved for all his efforts. Melville converted which finished the scoring for Vale.
However, Sandbach finished the scoring with another couple from a centre and prop, both unconverted to give a final score of 12 – 63.

Although well beaten on the day, well done to all the lads who never gave up and showed courage against a much bigger and stronger 15.

A final rider of the day saw Aaron Melville go to play for the 3rds afterwards as they had started later at 3pm and were also short of players. At 50 a terrific effort from him.

Photos by Fred Swarbrick

Link to match video supplied by Paddy Davenport, President of Sandbach:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxMkZyhH1hs&fbclid=IwAR2m1wGP12t4FU7aJjkUKAuqk6C6sh_VZqxABTBBfr8oKOrM0XyFVlkXHHY

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