The People Behind the Rugby Programme

While players understandably receive the plaudits on a Saturday afternoon, the success of any rugby club is built upon the dedication, expertise and commitment of a much wider team operating behind the scenes. At Sandbach RUFC, we are fortunate to have a passionate group of coaches, support staff and volunteers who give countless hours to ensure our players can enjoy, develop and perform within a positive rugby environment.

Heading up the coaching team is Tom Holmes, another excellent example of the club's thriving Mini & Junior pathway. Tom spent much of his playing career within the professional game, progressing through Sale Sharks before captaining both Rotherham Titans and Nottingham Rugby. Following his playing career, he returned home to Sandbach with his wife, Alex, and their children, Lexi and Laurie.

Tom combines the demands of leading the rugby programme with running his successful business, Bach 95, whose popular products can often be found on tap in the clubhouse. His experience, leadership and understanding of elite performance environments make him a hugely influential figure within the coaching team.

Another familiar face is Will Cargill, a proud club and school alumnus who progressed through Sandbach's age-group teams and 1st XV before embarking on an outstanding university and professional career. While studying, Will was recognised as BUCS Player of the Year, represented England Students and collected a Championship winner's medal. He then went on to make more than 100 professional appearances for Cornish Pirates.

Will remains deeply connected to the club and brings his experiences from the professional game back into the coaching environment. He lives locally with his wife and their three children, Bill, Indie and Sonny. Will is sponsored by Mr Paul Jackson.

Development is a major focus for the senior programme, and Lee Pickles plays a huge role in driving that area. Another homegrown Sandbach talent and former Sandbach School pupil, Lee is currently Head of Rugby at Lymm High School and brings an impressive coaching CV to the club. Previous roles have included Head Coach positions at Leek, Stoke, Sale FC, Lymm and Congleton.

Lee's expertise in player development is widely respected, and his ability to nurture talent continues to benefit players throughout the senior squads. He lives in Sandbach with his wife Jenny, who serves as the club's Mini & Junior Chair, and their sons Nate and Lucca, both of whom currently represent the club in the junior section.

Laurie Essenhigh may describe himself as an adopted Sandbachian, but he has quickly become an important part of the club's identity. Living just metres from the ground with his wife Sian, Laurie brings immense energy and enthusiasm to everything he does. A PE teacher and Head of Year by profession, he is equally passionate about maintaining standards away from the pitch as he is about performing on it.

Laurie's rugby achievements include representative honours and playing in the Welsh Premiership while studying at Cardiff Metropolitan University. More recently, he made his Premiership Cup debut on loan with Caldy against Newcastle Falcons, adding yet another impressive chapter to his rugby journey. Laurie is sponsored by Sandbach Roofing.

Joining the coaching group this season is Mike Barlow, who returns to Sandbach following a lengthy and successful spell at Caldy. Mike amassed a significant number of appearances in the Championship during his playing career and now begins his coaching journey alongside continuing to pull on the boots whenever required.

Recently married to his wife Georgina, Mike and his family have also enjoyed another major milestone this year with the arrival of their baby son, Reuben. His experience and knowledge of high-performance rugby environments add further strength to an already diverse coaching team. Mike is sponsored by Mr Paul Thomas.

Last but not least, leading the rugby programme is Andrew Bird, our Director of Rugby, who enters his 11th season within the senior coaching group. A proud Sandbachian, Andrew also leads the Junior Sport programme at the prestigious Manchester Grammar School.

Andrew holds every RFU coaching qualification available to him and has worked extensively within the games pathways, alongside coaching experiences with both Harlequins and Sale Sharks. His passion for player development and community rugby continues to shape the club's direction on and off the field. Away from rugby, Andrew lives in Sandbach with his wife, Amy, and their young children, Albie and Norie and is sponsored by KAST Medical Aesthetics Ltd.

What makes this group particularly special is the blend of experiences they collectively bring. From professional rugby and elite coaching environments to education, player development and community sport, the breadth of knowledge within the team is exceptional. We firmly believe that many hands make light work, and by sharing the load effectively, a relatively modest budget can often deliver maximum impact.

Beyond the coaches, a number of key individuals ensure the programme operates smoothly throughout the season. Kevin Mowbray continues in his invaluable role as Team Manager and truly keeps everything ticking on match days. Andy Mitchell, while serving as Club Chairman, also somehow finds time to double up as club photographer and resident GMS expert, providing vital support behind the scenes.

Our medical team of Stef, Liam, Julie and Ash work tirelessly to keep players healthy, supported and available for selection across all sections of the club. Their efforts are critical throughout the season and often go unnoticed despite the huge contribution they make.

Finally, our grounds team, led by Mark Morris, deserve enormous credit. Their commitment and hard work ensure that the pitches and wider facilities remain in the best possible condition for players, members and visitors alike.

#B4L

Welcome to Bradwall Road

On behalf of everyone connected with Sandbach RUFC, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to players, coaches, volunteers, members, supporters, sponsors, match officials and our visitors to Bradwall Road for another exciting afternoon of rugby.

A special welcome goes to our opponents today, Winnington Park, who make the short journey across from Burrows Hill. They arrive in strong spirits following an entertaining, high-scoring encounter against Burnage last weekend and will be looking to continue that momentum this afternoon. We wish their players, coaches and supporters an enjoyable visit and look forward to two competitive games played in the right spirit.

We also welcome Glossop 2nd XV, who are today's visitors for our 3rd XV fixture. It is always pleasing to host clubs from across the region and we hope everyone enjoys their time at Sandbach, both on and off the field.

A huge thank you must also go to today's match officials. Rugby simply cannot function without the time, commitment and passion shown by referees every week. They are an essential part of our game and deserve the respect and support of players and spectators alike.

Today is also a particularly special day for our club as we celebrate Superhero Day. More importantly, it provides us with an opportunity to remember and celebrate our own superhero, Patryk Milner. Rugby clubs are built upon people, friendships and memories, and days like today remind us that the bonds formed within our rugby community stretch far beyond the touchlines. We hope everyone embraces the spirit of the day and joins us in remembering Patryk and the positive impact he had on so many people connected with Sandbach RUFC.

From a rugby perspective, there were plenty of positives to take from last weekend. Our 1st XV opened their campaign with a valuable five-point victory against Northwich and will now be looking to back that result up. The next two fixtures provide a tremendous opportunity, with consecutive home matches against opponents who have traditionally raised their game whenever they have faced Sandbach. Playing these games at Bradwall Road gives us an excellent chance to build momentum and create a strong platform for the remainder of the season.

Our 3rd XV may have narrowly fallen short against Northwich 2nd XV last weekend, but there was enormous encouragement to take from the performance. The squad is incredibly youthful, packed with potential and enthusiasm, and is now under the guidance of Jim and Chris. The pair have made the transition from coaching within our Senior Colts programme to adult rugby, which represents another success story for our player and coach development pathway. Seeing young coaches progress through the club in the same way as our players is something we are particularly proud of.

The 2nd XV do not return to league action until 17 October due to the structure of a division containing only eleven teams. Despite the result at Sedgley Park 2nd XV last week, we were extremely encouraged by both the performance and attitude shown by the squad. There were plenty of learning opportunities, several standout individual displays and numerous positives to build upon in the weeks ahead.

Elsewhere, our 4th XV begin their season with an Over-35s fixture away at Wilmslow on Friday evening. We wish Pipey and all involved the very best as they begin another campaign and continue to provide valuable rugby opportunities for players across the club.

One of the most pleasing aspects of last weekend was the atmosphere around Bradwall Road. The touchlines were packed, the clubhouse was buzzing and there was a genuine sense of excitement around the start of the season. Perhaps the enforced delay to the season has increased everyone's appetite for rugby. Perhaps we are communicating and promoting what we do more effectively. More likely, it is a combination of both. Whatever the reason, it was fantastic to see so many people enjoying the club.

Particularly encouraging was the fact that more than 40 players represented the club across our three senior men's teams, with every single one having progressed through our own Mini & Junior section. Many clubs are choosing different models and pathways, but we remain incredibly proud of ours. Developing homegrown players who represent the club with pride will always remain central to our vision. That does not mean standing still, however. We will continue to challenge ourselves, evolve and improve both on and off the field.

The connection between our senior and junior sections was evident once again last weekend. It was wonderful to see our Under 7s acting as mascots and our Under 12s serving as ball boys, while the support of our main Mini & Junior sponsor, Škoda Lightcliffe, was highly visible around the ground.

This week the next generation take centre stage once again, with our Under 8s proudly running out alongside the 1st XV and our Under 11s supporting as ball boys. They are the future of Sandbach RUFC and we thank them, their coaches and their families for everything they contribute to the club.

Away from the pitch, it has also been exciting to see the launch of The 'Bach Podcast this week. If you have not listened yet, please do give it a go. It is another fantastic way for members and supporters to connect with the club, hear from players and coaches, and stay up to date with everything happening at Bradwall Road. Huge thanks go to everyone who has made the project possible.

As always, thank you for your continued support. We are fortunate to have an outstanding team of volunteers, coaches, sponsors and supporters who make this club what it is. Enjoy the rugby, get behind the lads, embrace the spirit of Superhero Day and, hopefully, we'll see you in the clubhouse afterwards.

Best wishes,

Andrew Bird

Sandbach 1st XV 40-19 Northwich 1st XV

Saturday 26th September
Regional 2 North West
Bradwall Road, Sandbach

Skipper Essenhigh inspires ‘Bach win with hat-trick

We’ve had to wait a little longer, but the new league season finally kicked off on Saturday, with Sandbach hosting Northwich for a huge opener at Bradwall Road. It was the perfect start for the Bach as they ran in six tries, including a hat-trick from skipper Laurie Essenhigh to claim the neighbourly bragging rights.

This fixture is always hugely competitive and Saturday’s clash delivered on that front. Last season, it was honours even with both teams picking up home wins. However, it’s a new season and when it comes to a local derby, anything can happen.

Sandbach fielded a host of familiar names but welcomed the return of some others. Former players Mike Barlow and George Bordill, both of whom have played at Championship level, are back at the club and were straight into the starting XV at inside centre and blindside flanker, respectively. The match also saw former Sandbach Colt Murray O’Donnell make his 1st XV debut from the bench after impressing during the summer.

With the match underway, it wasn’t the start Sandbach were expecting as they gifted the visitors a penalty, resulting in a lineout from 5m out. Northwich’s maul then powered over to give them an early lead.

From there Sandbach settled into the game and with a penalty of their own they ended up with an attacking lineout. The maul formed and moved a little forward before the ball was distributed in field. Centre Ed Vitta found a gap and slipped through to run in the try for an immediate response.

A penalty from a scrum and Northwich had a lineout close to the try line again. Their maul formed and it looked like a replica of the first try, only on the opposite wing, however as they got over the line the ball was held up. The play remained in Sandbach’s half, with back and forth between the two teams. Northwich got close from a couple of penalties, but Sandbach defended strongly and with a penalty of their own, they cleared their lines.

Sandbach’s second try came from another penalty. With a lineout from 10m out, the maul slowly ebbed forward and eventually powered over the line. Hooker Will Bowbeer was in possession to claim the try and spot kicker Matt Randle slotted his second kick of the game to make it 14-7.

From the restart, Sandbach’s winger Elliot Morris got close from a run on the wing and it wasn’t long before they struck again. From a loose ball, fly-half Henry Mitchell found Bowbeer who made a break up field and his offload to Essenhigh saw the scrum-half run through to score his first try of the afternoon.

In the last minute of the half, Northwich put the pressure on close to the line, but they were eventually thwarted by Sandbach’s defence.

Sandbach pushed on at the start of the second half, scoring their fourth try within a couple of minutes. With a penalty in their twenty-two, Essenhigh went quickly with a tap and go and breezed through for his second try of the game.

Northwich responded with some patient play and earned a few penalties. After some phases, they kicked towards the corner and their winger took possession to dive over for the try, as they continued to chase the game at 28-12.

Soon after, Northwich threatened with a run on the wing but a thumping tackle from Essenhigh reduced the danger. The skipper showed off his defensive abilities and showed that he’s not just an attacking threat.

Sandbach’s fifth try came from a lineout intercept in Northwich’s twenty-two. The ball was played out wide and Randle took it on the overlap to run in the try.

Sandbach had now found their flow and were playing fast running rugby. From a Northwich kick, Sandbach countered and after a few offloads, Essenhigh ran it in to secure an impressive hat-trick.

From there, Northwich enjoyed a period of possession and despite some solid Sandbach defending, the visitors picked up a final try on the wing.

After that, there was a slightly scrappy period where Sandbach couldn’t get out of their own half and after a few scrum tussles, the final whistle blew. Sandbach won 40-19.

The win was the perfect way to start the season and there’s plenty to take forward into the next match. October is a busy month with consecutive games against Winnington Park, Manchester, Warrington, Widnes and Wilmslow. Saturday’s win sets Sandbach up nicely for another tasty home derby against Winnington Park. Saturday’s performance was only just the beginning. Sandbach will look to kick on from this win and make it two from two.

NEXT MATCH
Sandbach 1st XV vs Winnington Park 1st XV
Saturday 3rd October – Kick-off 3.00pm
Bradwall Road, Sandbach

Photos courtesy of Andy Mitchell.

Sandbach made the best possible start to the new Regional 2 North West campaign on Saturday, securing a comprehensive 40-19 bonus point victory over neighbouring Northwich at Bradwall Road. With barely a dozen miles separating the two Cheshire rivals, meetings between these clubs always carry an edge, yet Sandbach produced an authoritative display that continued a dominant recent sequence. Having dispatched Northwich 32-27 and 33-7 in recent seasons, Sandbach ensured local bragging rights remained firmly in house while immediately securing second spot in the table with a maximum five-point haul. Northwich, by contrast, find themselves propping up the early standings after leaving empty-handed.

Around the grounds, the opening full weekend delivered plenty of drama and high scoring. Birkenhead Park claimed top spot on points difference courtesy of a 39-10 home victory against Douglas (I.O.M.), who made the long journey across the Irish Sea only to suffer their second defeat in eight days following an opening 32-29 reverse at Wilmslow. Wilmslow were brought swiftly back to earth on their own patch on Saturday, falling 36-17 to a sharp Firwood Waterloo outfit that sits third. In the division's other thriller, Manchester edged Warrington 36-34 in a high-octane contest that left Warrington with two bonus points for their troubles, while Widnes outgunned Kirkby Lonsdale 52-40 in an astonishing 92-point spectacle.

Looking ahead, Sandbach now prepare for another fierce local derby this coming weekend, welcoming mid-Cheshire neighbours Winnington Park to Bradwall Road. Sandbach took the spoils in emphatic fashion when the sides last met in March with a 61-24 victory, though memories of a tight 21-19 loss at Burrows Hill earlier that season will guard against any complacency. Winnington will arrive keen to bounce back from an opening 54-38 defeat to Burnage, while elsewhere, mouth-watering clashes between Firwood Waterloo and Birkenhead Park, and Manchester hosting Widnes, will offer an early sorting of the contenders. For Sandbach, maintaining momentum at home is the immediate priority before a testing trip to Manchester the following week.

Red Roses being clawed back.

We have become so used to the Red Roses steamrollering the opposition in recent years, so to have the last two games, one a draw against a very good Canada side and the second a last minute jammy interception try against the Black Ferns, methinks there needs to be some re-appraisal.

Inevitably at some point that unbeaten run was due to come to an end. It hasn’t happened yet, but it was mighty close in the last couple of weeks. Not much has changed in terms of the squad, one or two new faces but it was largely the outfit that won the World Cup. I watched them train a couple of months ago at Nottingham and the conditioning work was impressive but they looked a little off the pace in their recent games. England’s absolute physical dominance is also not what it was. It also looks like the other teams have started to work England out. For example Kildunne has had a mediocre few weeks compared to her dominant performances last year.

There is also a sense that some key teams are starting to get their act together. France beat Canada last weekend and Australia are starting to look a handy outfit after they gave England a good test three weeks ago and disposed of Scotland last weekend.

Which makes the snapping up of Shaun Edwards by Mitchell even more intriguing. The England Head Coach obviously feels there needs to be a shake up. Maybe this England squad had become a little too complacent, not in terms of physical preparation but mentally. It’s a long time since they have felt the sting of defeat and I’m sure Edwards has come in to challenge things and address any complacency with some tough love. Edwards is not one who tolerates lax standards (neither is Mitchell for that matter).

That combination of Mitchell and Edwards is an intriguing one when we scan the bigger picture. England’s men have a World Cup next year and at the moment are not looking particularly impressive to say the least. Borthwick is currently safe until after then but short of winning the World Cup it’s hard to see him being retained. His record is just not good enough and England seem to be treading water in terms of progression.

Mitchell and Edwards could possibly be the successor combination in competition with maybe Dowson and Vesty. Of course unless the Red Roses get their mojo back, the Northampton duo would be a shoe in.

The Wigan lad I’m sure is aware of where this move may lead. He has an impressive track record and is a proven winner. Watch this space.