SANDBACH were overrun by a strong Leigh side on Saturday.

The home side are chasing the title while Sandbach are fighting to stave off relegation from the Euromanx South Lancs/Cheshire League Division One - and the gap in class showed in the 36-3 scoreline.

The boot of Andy Rollings provided the only points for the Sandbach side, who competed well but were found wanting in vital areas.

Coach Alex Burton said: 'Leigh are perhaps the best side in the division. We really got undone by the backs but our forwards competed well.

'The difference in this league to the one we were promoted from last season is that teams are big, powerful and very fit. It is a sharp learning curve for us.

'Our average age is just 22 and it is difficult. But I am optimistic and we know what we have to do to survive, which is the key objective for us this season.

'I think we are quite capable. Over Christmas, we will get a rare opportunity to train with the students who are scattered all over the country for a full three weeks.'

The first team's defeat was the only setback for the club over the weekend. Sand-bach seconds beat Liverpool St Helens 18-10, the thirds overcame Crewe 27-10 and the fourths smashed Buxton 53-5.