Wirral RUFC hosted all the U14 finals and the Cup was the last of the day. The weather gods were kind with a grey sky that only threatened but didn't deliver rain.

The boys were nervous and the coaches worried that this could stall what has been a great season. From the kickoff it was clear that there was numerous boys not firing on all cylinders. The game plan had been clearly laid out and discussed but it was Lymm's forwards who were getting the upper hand. Sandbach applied pressure but silly mistakes allowed Lymm to reclaim the ball again and again. However with 10 minutes gone, a poor pass from the Lymm backs allowed Sandbach an opportunity to run 40 metres and score under the posts. The conversion was made - 7-0.

Far from letting their heads go down Lymm came straight back at Sandbach. Good controlled play from the breakdown saw Lymm work the ball through their backs testing the defensive line again and again. Sandbach were showering tackles with many last ditch. Lymm thought they had scored but the touch judge flat showed a foot was in touch. Sandbach won the ball from the line out but then failed to clear their lines and find touch. This allowed Lymm to come straight back at Sandbach building again with strong, quick ball through the hands to allow a controversial try in the corner after the touch judge flag was raised but the match referee decided to overrule.

Now was the time for character and Sandbach could easily of capitulated to a Lymm team with their tails up. Following a strong half time talk, Sandbach, although still only playing at 6/10 started to apply pressure on Lymm and were rewarded by two unconverted tries. The game had ebbed from Lymm but with all credit they never gave up and were rewarded with a try and conversion on the full time whistle.

Although a postmortem is required as to why Sandbach didn't play "their" game a wise old sage said "the sign of a great team is on that wins even when they don't play well."

The cup was well deserved after a great season!!

Sandbach RUFC

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