Will Henshall is hat-trick hero in big win on road for Sandal RUFC
A crisp Saturday afternoon saw Sandal visit Penrith looking to continue their good run of form against a Penrith side that had a strong start to their season winning their first four games in succession in the Regional One North East.
The Milnthorpe Green men did just that as they ran out convincing 58-19 winners to make it three league victories in succession, writes Justin English.
Sandal started the game with strong forward possession and a number of good line breaks from Declan Thompson resulted in Will Henshall going over for the opening try in the 18th minute.
A second score followed six minutes later when Henshall touched down again. This time Tom Hodson added the extras to make it 12-0.
Sandal continued to dominate possession with a great interchange between Hali Joannou and Mac Walsh to set up a lovely finish from Will Forrest.
Walsh continued to impress and helped himself to a try in the final five minutes of the first half. With Hodson adding the conversion Sandal went into half-time with a 24-0 lead and seemed to be in control.
As expected Penrith came out firing in the second half with a quick try after three minutes.
This was converted, but it was quickly responded to with a strong break from Walsh resulting in a Declan Thompson try improved by Hodson.
Penrith were no pushovers and strong defending from Sandal created an arm wrestle for a time, which was finally broken by an interception by Joannou that resulted in an additional Sandal try that went unconverted.
Loose play from Sandal resulted in a Penrith resurgence. However, this was quickly extinguished when Henshall completed his hat-trick on 58 minutes, with Hodson tagging on the extras.
A tap through was then quickly gathered by Forrest as he galloped over for his second of the day.
Aaron Dyer took over the kicking duties and missed the conversion, but added a penalty goal soon after to make it 51-14.
There was still time for a strong finale as Sandal added another try following some hard running from forward Sam Millard.
Dyer rounded the scoring off with a successful conversion and Sandal were home and dry for an impressive victory on the road against opponents fifth in the table.
Sandal are now up to ninth with their next league game on Saturday, November 22 at home to sixth-placed Blaydon.