Match Reports

Longton 1st XV 12 v 8 Sandbach (friendly)

In a match that proved to be useful if for no other reasons but to highlight areas to improve before the start of the new season, Longton managed to overcome a young well organised Sandbach team, 12 points to 8. Longton used over 25 players in the 90 minute game and all will agree that it was good to get the first competitve rugby of the season under our belt. The game itself was scrappy and both teams conceded large numbers of penaltys at the ruck area. This is certainly going to be a key area of all the games this season and as a result of the RFU's new directives im sure that each referee will have their own interpretation of a law that makes it almost impossible for players to get right... we will see. Longtons first score was an opportunistic try from the impressive Ant Edwards which saw him use turnover ball and chip over the oncoming defence into open space, the oncoming full back made a hash of collecting the ball and Ant gathered well to go in at the corner. Sandbach replied with a penalty before Longton scored a second try through captain Tom Hughes after strong work once again by Ant Edwards. Edwards ran a hard line sucking in three defenders before offloaded to the supporting Hughes who had enough pace to take it round the watching Sandbach fullback. Sandbach's Jack Leach scored a good solo try late on but Longton had just enough to hold on for the victory.

The game had a number of 'memorable' moments including Olly Pointon and Lee Brogan tackling each other allowing the Sandbach centre through to score. A.J. Birse 'Impact' five minutes before having to leave the field. Ali Whiston and Dave Barbers uncerimonious dump tackle on the Sandbach danger man which should never have been a penalty and finally Tom Hughes having gone the length, falling over with no one within five metres of him and thus butchering a certain score.

Good to back in the swing of things!!