- A STORMING SUCCESS FOR THE
SANDSTORMERS
- Photographs by Patrick Trollope,
report by Nick Griffiths
-
SOUTHPORT Reporter sponsored
Rugby League Team, the Sandstormers nearly pulled off the shock result of the season on Saturday against table toppers
Cadishead, but in the end they had to settle for a 30 to 30 draw, but if it hadn't been for some appalling referee decisions the victory would have gone to the
Sandstormers. The first half started with the Sandstormers playing some great rugby which saw the ball come across the line to Robbie Fawcett who had three players trying to bring him down he offloaded the ball to send Andy Marriott in for a try, the score was 4 to 0 to Southport. Cadishead kicked off but almost immediately Southport scrum half Roy Finch Spencer broke on the right and just as he was being tackled he passed to Chris Dresher who did one of his specials and ran nearly the length of the field to score, the try was converted by Danny Sinclair, it was now 10 to 0 to the Sandstormers. Cadishead were stunned and mounted attack after attack but great tackling by the whole Southport team kept them out, but then a run of eight penalties to Cadishead saw them go over in the corner to make it 10 to 6. The penalties continued most of which were totally unwarranted, Cadishead were now back near Southport line again Southport held out with Frank Dunn and Neil Newton tackling bravely, Cadishead got another penalty which they kicked it was now 10 to 8.But back came the Sandstormers Chris Brown broke awry to send Robbie Fawcett over in the corner this was again converted by Sinclair it was 16 to 8 now. But back came Cadishead to score a try to make it 16 to 14, but the Sandstormers would not lie down back they came and following a break from Mike Hornby Southport put a move on near the Southport line Carl Mcardle crashed over with the conversion it was now 22 to 14.the Sandstormers mounted another attack which saw new signing Vincent crash over in the corner the try was again converted by Sinclair it left the score 28 to 14 at half time. Cadishead came out for the Second half more fired up having been stunned in the first ,and they quickly scored a try to make the score 28 to 20. The Sandstormers stepped up a gear and despite continued Cadishead pressure they held out with great try saving tackles made by Kevin Hall and John Horrocks. Things started to get a little bit nasty as Cadishead became increasingly frustrated and four Southport players had to leave the field of play with bloody noses one which was broken from punches in the tackles, the referee apparently seeing none of these. Cadishead then scored a controversial try when it looked like their player hadn't grounded the ball but the ref gave it. the score was now 28 to 24. The Sandstormers then went on the attack and got a penalty when playmaker Shaun Connelly was tackled very high, this was kicked by Kevin Hall it was now 30 to 24. The Sandstormers had to endure some real heavy pressure now and some even more bizarre refereeing decisions but they held out bravely until the last minute of the game when Cadishead scored out wide the try was converted it was now 30 to 30. The final whistle went Shortly after. But questions were asked how the referee had found eight minutes of injury time. The Sandstormers left the field to a standing ovation from their own supporters and also Cadishead. The Sandstormers are next in action this coming Saturday when they are away to Lang worthy Reds Kick off 2.00pm. Man of the match Sponsored by P Barton Catering Butchers was Frank Dunn. Anyone interested in playing or watching Rugby League is asked to call Nick Griffiths on 01704 879745 or Brian Clifford on 01704 833053
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