KNUTSFORD Rugby Club first XV returned to winning ways at the weekend.

They earned a 19-14 home win against Sandbach thirds in NOWIRUL Division Two South – their first league victory since November 26.

Knutsford will no doubt seek to build on the positive result and confidence gained when they face the three teams below them in their next outings, starting with a trip to second-from-bottom Wilmslow seconds on Saturday.

Sandbach, fifth on the ladder, were well organised and powerful.

Knutsford had to defend for long periods of the game but with a back row of Ed Snook, Chris Isherwood and Thomas Copsey they were never short of a volunteer to put a shoulder in.

Sandbach crossed for two tries during the game, both from close range, however they were made to work incredibly hard for them.

In attack, Knutsford had to be clinical with the ball they did have.

Three well executed tries ultimately made the difference.

Knutsford used good width and speed from both set piece and turnover ball.

Plays involving Joaquim Marques, Tom Lowe, Sam Bensky and Charlie Davies all fed the speed on the wing of Alex Davies, who scored two and gave a final pass to Lowe for the third to cap off a great individual performance.

In previous games and seasons this game would have past knutsford by, becoming the plucky loser by falling to a late try and not killing the game off, but a more controlled and effective final period meant the team reaped the rewards of their efforts.

Man of the match was awarded to Copsey for his huge defensive efforts.

This great team performance was equalled by a brilliant atmosphere in the clubhouse post match.