Rugby Union: Sandbach 20, New Brighton 3

Jan 21 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

NEW BRIGHTON flattered only to deceive at Bradwall Road as their hopes of having a promotion say in North Two West took another setback.

The Blues exerted much of the pressure but too often chose the wrong option and could not open their try-scoring account.

They were forced to field a makeshift back division with five players missing and it showed. Sandbach took an early lead with a penalty and New Brighton, with regular kicker Stephen Dean among the absentees, missed two good chances to put points on the board.

They were made to pay as poor tackling let in the home side for a try and conversion just ahead of the break.

There was hope after Oliver Perryman landed a penalty in the third quarter only for Sandbach to reply with a similar score.

The Blues showed plenty of spirit and got into good scoring positions without being able to capitalise.

Sandbach wrapped it up with a late breakaway try from an interception deep in their own territory. The conversion was successful but the scoreline on the day did not tell a true tale.