Sandal’s power and pace proves decisive

Sandal were 30 points up inside 20 minutes as power and pace proved irresistable against an opposition looking to keep it tight in the forwards. Full-back Tom Coad got things under way, quickly followed by further tries from flanker Dave Martin and Ella. Coad’s second took Sandal to 29-7 before 10 points from Greg Wood, including a try, conversion and penalty, made the half-time score 39-7.

Simon Frewin (three), James Stewart and Ella (twice more) put the seal on a third win in four.

Bradford and Bingley lost 
39-32 at Kendal but the two bonus points were enough to take them out of the bottom three.

The Wagon Lane men began brightly and were two scores in front with 10 minutes played as Richard Tafa and Tom Bills got on the scoresheet.

Kendal mauled Richard Harriman over and after Daniel Lowther kicked Kendal into the ascendancy, Bees skipper Guy Ford barged over to level.

Ten minutes later the Bees guaranteed a bonus point as second- rower Adam Malthouse crossed for the first time in Bees colours.

Having led at the break, the Bees played into Kendal’s hands in the second half and despite a try from Tafa and five points from Bills.

Harrogate just about had the edge in this exciting encounter and, with 10 minutes of normal time remaining, were in a seemingly comfortable 29-16 lead.

However, two late Waterloo tries brought them back into serious contention and Gate hung on for a 32-28 win.

A Steve Maycock try got Gate underway, but after they gifted Waterloo their first score, Rob Almond scored a fine converted try.

Tim Heaton crashed over for an unconverted try which was quickly followed by a converted one from skipper, Jimmy Browne.

Andrew Trotter and Carl Nolan brought Waterloo roaring back. But the missed conversion and another Irvine penalty, at the death, enabled Harrogate to squeeze home with a four-point lead.