Twenty tries but no extension of season

Despite recording two fewer defeats than champions Chester and one less than runners-up Harrogate, it was bonus points which ended up costing Sandal a potential title, with only five points between them and top spot.

On the back of their victory over previous leaders Harrogate last time out, Sandal knew they needed victory and other teams to do them a favour. In the end that favour never materialised, but the professional performance of the hosts was testament to the style of rugby they have been providing all season.

A first-half performance of power and pace included sublime support play. At 71-0 up by the break the home side would have been forgiven for easing up. Instead, the intensity continued and, barring a brief 10-minute period when Bradford showed some fighting spirit, the visitors rarely threatened.

Winger Simon Frewin scored four tries while full-back Tom Coad and centre Dan McCormack helped themselves to hat-tricks. There were braces for centre Dave Martin, winger Alex Orr and second-row James Stuart as, in the end, 20 tries breached the visiting defence.

Harrogate’s 38-22 win over Billingham was a game of fast running rugby.

Harrogate’s backs had the edge throughout and they secured the necessary bonus point win to guarantee a play-off promotion match next week. Forward power play was distinctly lacking so Harrogate will be looking to their backs to do the business at Sutton Coldfield.

After failling behind, James Audsley-Beck scored a 30-metre try which was followed by scores from Dan Metcalfe and Steve Maycock.

Scrum-half Phil Wickham squeezed over to score the fourth try but Billingham scored two quick tries. Stung by this, the Harrogate backs went back into overdrive and Tim Heaton supported a move for the game’s final converted try.