Good afternoon and Happy New Year! Welcome to Bradwall Road, home of Sandbach RUFC. We are delighted that you have started 2023 with a trip to watch today’s game and, regardless of which team you are supporting, we hope that your experience at The ‘Bach is a positive one.

Our last home 1st XV game took place in early December and, after two match days (10th Dec & 17th Dec) fell victim to the cold conditions, we see ourselves ‘back at it’ after a gritty and mature win on the road at Grove Park against Manchester last weekend. Although not the most glamorous game to be involved in, ‘a win is a win’ and it takes the 1st XV to ten wins from thirteen games and to fourth place in the league. One of those three losses came from the short trip to Moss Farm against Northwich in October (17-13). Sam Naylor and Martin Poste’s men will, no doubt, be looking to come to spoil the usual Bradwall Road party after pushing Rossendale close last week and, prior to that, picking-up four consecutive wins. We look forward to welcoming the travelling support today and hope that their overseas contingent enjoys the Sandbach sun!

Reflecting on our previous encounter in our preparations, we are aware that today’s visitors will look to have a go at the breakdown; specifically with their free-roaming back row. Whilst we are confident that, if we stick to the processes especially around set piece and our defensive systems, our attack is good enough and flexible enough to adapt, all this often goes out the window with local derbies, referees’ interpretations, injuries, and the weather. Irrespective of these variables, we are very much looking forward to the challenge that today brings.

Our 2nd XV travel to Fylde via team coach after a hard fought game last week with Preston Grasshoppers 2nd XV. This should be an entertaining game as both clubs 2nd XVs sit alongside each other in the Premier League. After last week’s superb performance under lights against Congleton 1st XV, our 3rd XV make the short trip north to Holmes Chapel to play their 1st XV. The 4th XV have a number of games lined-up in coming weeks against Cheshire Police, Congleton, Macclesfield, and Stockport. The numbers of adults engaging in rugby at this club is on the up. We are somewhat of an anomaly in this respect and will work very hard, not only to retain and keep recruiting, but also to provide everyone with adequate training, match, and development opportunities.

Yet again, a high percentage of players representing Sandbach today, not just in the 1st XV, are products of our successful M/J programme. We have our under 13s assisting as ball boys today and hope that the touchlines are lined with the next generation; something that is a real cornerstone to our DNA here. We are also inviting members of the U18s senior colts squad, in small groups, to assist with match day as part of their transition to senior rugby. Wandering around the pitches on a Sunday morning is such a pleasure, so many smiles and youngsters proud to wear the green and red shirt, very refreshing! Thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who are vital cogs in this. A lot of hard work is going on behind the scenes to drive this club forward, specifically with the new strategy. 20:20>B4L is underpinned by a number of key departments; rugby, obviously, but also aspects such as compliance which are just as important, especially if we want to strive to keep on improving on and off the field. Thank you to everyone who devotes their time and effort to making this rugby club the most professional amateur club that it can be!

The club is bubbling nicely off field too. Tonight, the U13s host a comedy night which is always a really well attended evening and the club ball is back as we knew it; big marquee on the 1st XV pitch, 400+ capacity, get your tables quick, this will sell out! Bedford Blues will use our facilities for training prior to their Championship game against Caldy in a few weeks and we are scheduled to host Cheshire U20s against Yorkshire in February and Cheshire U14 Schoolboy 7s in March; alongside the Cheshire U10s’ festival and M/J colour run.

The 1st XV has entered the newly-formed ‘Papa John Community Cup’ which takes place after the league campaign has concluded. Although the format of this cup is not yet exactly known, we do know that it will bring a minimum of four additional games, hopefully against commensurate opposition with the chance to progress further. Both 2nd and 3rd XVs will play in the North West cups and will look to keep their progress aligned to their league success! Prior to the Burnage league game (11th March) we will look to host a ‘Ladies’ Lunch’, more details to follow. One of our main aims alongside the overall strategy is to enhance women and girls’ experiences at Sandbach RUFC, both on and off field. We hope this will be a well-attended event and aligns to getting the ball rolling in this respect alongside some on field developments also aimed at women and girls.

I hope that you enjoy your day, the rugby is entertaining, the hospitality is welcoming, and the match-day experience is underpinned by the game’s core values.

Best Wishes

AGB