Match Preview

Sandbach start the competitive season properly with a home Cheshire Vase tie against Wilmslow on Saturday afternoon. Having come within thirty minutes of winning the Cheshire Cup at the end of last season, Sandbach see themselves this year competing in the Vase, following a restructuring of Competition, so as reduce the number of games played by National 1 and 2 teams. It does however give the opportunity of renewing old acquaintances of historic foes and a chance to see how the North & Midlands Leagues compare.

Wilmslow won the Vase only over a couple of years ago, so will provide an exciting challenge, having been a well-established side in North One West for many years, finishing fourth in the League last season. Traditionally they like to play an open and expansive game and with Sandbach also favouring a more all court approach, an entertaining match is anticipated. Sandbach will be looking to build on the encouraging victory in the preseason friendly last week against Kendal, where the new recruits particularly settled in well. However, Sandbach know they can take nothing for granted, as they look to build momentum for the forthcoming league campaign, under the new coaching team of the Sale Sharks duo, Rob Webber and Byron McGuigan