Sandbach’s perfect start (From Crewe Guardian)

Sandbach 35 Derby 5

10:27am Thursday 6th September 2012 in Sport

SANDBACH made the best possible start to their debut in the National League Three with a comfortable victory in front of a bumper crowd at Bradwall Road.

The start of the new season, the club’s first at National level, has been eagerly awaited by everyone at the club and the players did not disappoint, giving the side a huge confidence boost ahead of their first away match against Mansfield on Saturday.

A tentative start saw both sides test each other out as Sandbach acclimatised to the pace of the game, with the hosts battling to gain possession against the visitor’s rolling maul.

A Benny Elliott penalty broke the deadlock following a deliberate offside, but the home crowd had to wait another 15 minutes before Sandbach finally crept over the line thanks to a flowing passing move out to Elliott.

The hosts stretched their lead to 13-0 at the break with a further try from Matt Beesley, who side-stepped three defenders before charging through the full back and completing a superb first 40 minutes for the league’s newcomers.

Coach Simon Verbickas began to flex the new laws for rolling substitutions after the break, sending Marcus Broad on to cause havoc and send Matt Pollen over for the host’s first try of the half, Elliot converting.

Pollen added another not long after, again converted by Elliott, and even when Derby pounced on a lapse of concentration, Sandbach’s party was not to be spoiled.

Elliott book-ended the game with the final points, kicking a penalty and running in a final try to secure Sandbach’s first points of the National League season. Sandbach’s next home game is against Nuneaton at Bradwall Road, entry is £5.