Manchester 49 - 17 Sandbach

saw Manchester run-out 49-17 winners on a gloriously sunny Sunday morning at Grove Lane.

The game was played in a great spirit by both sides and well refereed by Mr Gordon from Scotland; he wasn't always up with play, but then - he never is when he plays either, so at least he is consistent.

The game was split into 20 minute thirds giving all of the Manchester players an opportunity to compete for places for the first Lancashire Cup fixture, next week away at Warrington. The coaches used the first third to give some players a taste of a new position. Judging by the look on Noisy’s face there is plenty more work for us to do to help him adjust to life in the front row, the azure blue of Motty’s scrum cap could be seen shimmering in the sunlight as he appeared to be revelling in the newly found freedom of flanking!!

The first third was the most tightly contested, Manchester forwards having the better of the early battles up front (the captains father counting seven phases of play in the first few minutes - lucky he was there really as none of the rest of us could count that far); some strong carrying of the ball from Tom Royle and ‘The Sheap’ backed up by great back play led by Marcus, Tomo and Jonesy and the optimism for the season ahead from the sideline was evident. However it was almost as if the players thought they had it won in the first five minutes (the plump lady was not even tuning up never mind yodelling!) and they collectively appeared to take their size 7 off the gas which allowed a competitive Sandbach side back into the game. At the end of the first period we were holding on to a 7-5 lead by the skin of our teeth. Tackle of the day came just before the whistle and it was Fierce-some Ferg, again demonstrating that you don’t need to be the biggest physically to put the biggest tackles in.

There was a medical incident to note when Humpy Junior needed to be fireman’s lifted from the pitch (couldn’t have lifted Cannabis Tim off!) after pulling a hamstring (Editors note: Hamstrings must be a modern invention, no-one had one - let alone pulled one - when I played!)

In the second third a few changes were made with the most significant being the introduction of the pocket rocket “Kylie”. Obviously chomping at the bit (or was that just his brace) after sitting out the first 20, he got straight into the action terrorising the Sandbach ball carriers at every opportunity. The introduction of McHooker the referee’s son also seemed to stabilise the scrummage and Manchester won better set piece ball. Highlight of the period must have been young Master Semple playing for five minutes without his boot, good job The Doc had been briefed about his new medical responsibilities earlier in the day! Some great link play down the left between Brad Pitt and his fellow brat pack member Mr O resulted in the best try of the third and Manchester headed to the final third 29-10 up.

The final third was dominated by Manchester save for some poor tackling at the end which saw Sandbach go over for their third try of the game; in fact all of their scores were as a result of missed tackles which must be a key development area for the coaches and boys to focus on. The highlight of the day however must go to Kylie though - a pick up and drive to the line, a stretch and place the ball over the whitewash, the raising of his weary hand in gleeful celebration, the turn of his head to McRef .... before being told that he had indeed grounded the ball.... on the 5 meter line! We promise that it will only be mentioned once or twice this season. The game finished 49-17 and the coaches were delighted to get this performance under our belts and move on to Cup rugby next week.

We haven’t been able to mention everyone in this report, however having re-read it I would also pick out other great contributions from Mazzer who I thought played well at both 9 and 15 and Captain Smurf who having summered well is starting to show the form he finished with last year; scribblers son will not be getting a mention unless he tidies his room and makes me a cup of tea!

It was also fabulous to see so many ‘sun-bathing’ supporters come down to cheer the boys on and especially Aunties and Uncles, Grandparents galore - splendid, we look forward to your continued support throughout the winter and in particular the icy blizzards at Leigh in January.