Callum Oakden, Sandbach’s ‘1st XV Players’ Player of the Season’ and ‘1st XV Coaches’ Player of the Season’, put in another stand-out performance in Staffordshire’s 22-0 win over the North Midlands. Sandbach’s head coach Tom Holmes was on the sidelines as Staffordshire’s forwards coach, lending his expertise to the county side.

Back in Cheshire, Sandbach’s club captain Jimmy Gore earned his eighth county cap in a convincing win over Durham. Gore was also named vice-captain for the county side, who won 80-14 at Bowdon RUFC. Sandbach’s George Cole and Harry Leese were named in the squad and came on for their debut county appearances. Cole scored two tries in the impressive victory.

The Bill Beaumont Senior Men’s County Championship continues next weekend as Cheshire face Cumbria and Staffordshire take on the East Midlands. Both teams are aiming for a place in the semi-final and Sandbach Rugby Club will be hoping that their players continue be influential for the county sides.

In other news, the teams for the 2025/26 season in the Northern Division – Regional 2 North West league have been confirmed. Sandbach will be up against newly promoted West Park St Helens and North Ribblesdale as well as Birkenhead Park, who dropped down a division after a brief spell at Level 5.

There will be tough matches against Firwood Waterloo, Vale of Lune and Burnage, as well as another long trip to the Isle of Man to play Douglas. Northwich and Winnington Park will be on hand to provide tasty local derby clashes. Sandbach, who had an impressive season and finished third, will be aiming to go further next season.

The full list of teams are as follows:
• Altrincham Kersal
• Birkenhead Park
• Burnage
• Douglas (I-o-M)
• Firwood Waterloo
• Northwich
• North Ribblesdale
• Sandbach
• Vale of Lune
• West Park St. Helens
• Widnes
• Winnington Park