Anselmians suffer a Sandbach smash (From Crewe Guardian)

Anselmians suffer a Sandbach smash

2:58pm Thursday 17th November 2011 in More sport

Sandbach 60 Anselmians 8

SANDBACH moved three points clear at the top of North One West thanks to a heavy defeat of league newboys Anselmians at Bradwall Road.

Combined with a close result for title chasers Liverpool St Helens and losses for Widnes and Northwich, Sandbach managed to clear some space at the top and moved 10 points clear of Widnes in third place.

The visit of Rochdale on Saturday offers the chance for them to stretch their lead at the top, kick off 2.15pm.

After a tentative start against Anselmians, Sandbach capitalised on a poor clerance kick to break the deadlock.

Richard Murray scooped up the loose kick, leaving three defenders flat footed before slipping the ball inside for Cargill to cross in the corner.

He missed the extras, but the hosts had the scent of points in their nostrils and soon made the most of another poor kick from the visitors, this time with Simon Verbickas and Nick Jerman combining to send Benny Elliot up the wing to touch down in the corner.

Anselmian’s pack kicked into gear, forcing Sandbach on to the back foot and winning a number of penalties after indiscipline in the hosts’ ranks.

The visitors converted these chances into points thanks to the boot of Simon Mason, but they still trudged in at half time 15-3 down when the pace of the hosts again shone through and Matt Smith touched down in the corner.

A change of tactics at half time saw Sandbach emphasise their pace, with long kicks and fast chases putting the slower guests under pressure.

Sandbach reaped the rewards when Burton broke the line to send Matt Jackson over on his return to the first team.

As the home side began to dominate the rucks and mauls, the game turned into a one-sided affair, with Sandbach scoring three times in quick succession through Smith, Burton and Massey.

With Cargill giving up on kicking duties, Elliot took up the mantle and kicked the next five goals, with Smith, Burton and Tom Herd all adding to Sandbach’s total in respose to Loa Tupoa's consolation try for the guests, which did little to remove the gloss off a fine win for the league leaders.