Sands stung by eight-match ban

SIDELINED: Andy Sands of St Anne’s will sit out parts of this season and next.

RUGBY: ANDY Sands has been handed an eight-match ban by the National Conference League’s disciplinary committee.

The Oldham St Anne’s prop forward suffered the punishment as a result of a red card sustained for the use of a stiff-arm tackle against Waterhead in a second-team fixture last month.

Saints are not appealing against the disciplinary committee’s decision. Sands will serve part of his ban this season and complete it in 2012.

Team-mate Kendal Davies has been suspended for one game for conduct warranting dismissal.

James Brennan of Saddleworth Rangers has been banned for five matches after being found guilty of running in and punching in a match against Leigh East.