Rugby: Sandbach look to brakes on Ampthill promotion charge
FORM guys Sandbach have vowed not to stand on ceremony when promotion-chasing Ampthill roll into town.
The Bradwall Road side have more than held their own in their first season in National League Three Midlands, nestling comfortably in the top five after the opening nine games.
A 26-0 whitewash of Syston further enhanced their credentials, with tries from Dan Massey, Rich Murray, Chris Davenport and George Davenport.
Winger Massey was also at the centre of a familiar solid defensive showing, wearing his heart on his sleeve alongside Will Cargill, Marcus Broad and Jack Leech.
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"They tackled as if their lives depended on it," said team manager Stuart Battersby.
"It was a fantastic performances all-round, scoring four tries but, perhaps more significantly, preventing a talented team from bothering the scoreboard."
It all means Battersby has seen his side win four of their last five games, only slipping up 27-21 against runaway leaders Sutton Coldfield.
Bedfordshire side Ampthill are expected to provide a similarly stern test, but one Battersby will relish rather than fear.
He said: "It promises to be another thunderous game.
"Ampthill played in National Three (London and South East) last season and have declared their intentions to win outright promotion.
"We hope to spoil those plans in the first ever meeting between the two teams."
A four-game losing streak has put LONGTON at the other end of mid-table than their near neighbours on the other side of the county border.
The Trentham Fields side have a chance to put that right with a home match against Hinckley.
It has been a month of injury woes for Longton, who slipped to a 68-7 reverse at Broadstreet last week, but players are now starting to filter back into good health.
Key forwards Joel Booth and Craig Wilson are still missing, but backs Chris Tennuci and Alex George return, Grant Hallam is hopeful of making it and Ben Grocott and John Tavaceke could make welcome appearances.
Director of rugby Tony Wheat said: "Injuries put last week's result into perspective, but do not excuse the performance.
"At the very least we expect our players to come off the pitch having given it their absolute best efforts and I don't think that was the case.
"We want a much more Longton-like performance this week, regardless of the result."
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