Sandal RUFC are blown away in second half in tough battle with York

With storm Boelo creating havoc across part of the United Kingdom, Sandal lined against York for their latest Regional One North East game.

They were hoping for a chink of sunshine through the clouds after defeats in their last three matches, but it was not to be as their visitors stormed to a 36-10 victory at Milnthorpe Green, writes Justin English.

Sandal try scorer Will Forrest looks to go past a York defender. Picture: Simon Hall

placeholder image — Sandal try scorer Will Forrest looks to go past a York defender. Picture: Simon Hall

Sandal lined up a changed side with late drop-outs from captain Dec Thompson and Mac Walsh as well as others, but started the game with good forward momentum.

They earned a penalty in the first four minutes which was neatly slotted through the uprights by Hali Joannou.

Hali Joannou has a kick at goal for Sandal. Picture: Simon Hall

However, this was matched by York who took possession from the restart and also earned a penalty to level the game.

Both teams seemed tentative in the early exchanges and conditions proved it was not a day for throwing the ball among the backs with York seeming to switch onto this earlier than the hosts.

They scored a couple of tries in quick succession and kept their score moving forward despite a lovely individual run from Harry Jukes which would surely have resulted in a try had the wet conditions not thwarted him as he lost possession at the critical 22.

Sandal dug deep towards the last 10 minutes of the first half and a well controlled rolling maul created possession within the York 22. Good hands from Joannou got the ball out to the right wing and the move was well finished by Will Forrest.

Sandal look to go through a gap in the York defensive line. Picture: Simon Hall

The extras were added by Joannou and Sandal went into half-time 18-10 down, but with everything to play for in the second period.

But as the weather closed in and the cold wind bit, unfortunate handling errors piled up in most areas of Sandal play, putting them under pressure in critical areas where York were able to capitalise on.

The visitors simply ran away with the game as they collected 18 unanswered points.

There were sparks of the old Sandal with good play from James Gibson, Henry West and Joe Potter but it felt like Sandal had lost their way and will be disappointed to walk from a game that was more then winnable.

Sandal will need to dig deep for their next away fixture at Scarborough this Saturday as they look to get their season back on track.