Sandal record first victory of new rugby union season

The Milnthorpe Green men had found it difficult to make headway in their 25-13 loss to an Alnwick side with a big pack in the first game of the new season, but had no difficulty scoring points on their trip to Manchester.

Now they will be looking to tighten the defence up as they go on to play their third league game this Saturday, at home to a Northwich side yet to register a point this season. Kick-off is 3pm.

Sandal twos travelled to Driffield last Saturday for their first game and lost 40-0.

They did have a depleted side for their first game with five players unavailable and only one substitute, whereas Driffield, who run four senior teams had five subs and had played five pre-season warm-up games.

So, having been promoted and winning the Second team Yorkshire Cup in their last season, Sandal are once again rebuilding their second team squad. This is massively helped with Ben Morley and Paul Brennan developing the third team and veterans teams.

The future is looking good for the Sandal second team, however, with three new players turning out at Driffield - Ibrahim and Yusif Shachiyev, both making excellent tackles and Cam Allen at scrum-half an outstanding player.

Also, several Senior Colts are knocking on the door of senior rugby thanks to Darren Reynolds’ legacy.

Anyone who fancies playing can come on down to training at Sandal RUFC, 7pm Tuesdays and Thursdays and ask for the captain, Michael Knowles, vice-captain George Hulme or second team manager Richard Hoyland.