Sandbach start the competitive season properly with a home Cheshire Vase tie against Altrincham Kersal on Saturday afternoon. Having lost disappointedly in the Vase Final in difficult conditions at the end of last season, Sandbach will be keen to put that right. Further the fixture gives the opportunity of renewing old acquaintances of historic opponents.
After their run out against Kendal last weekend, Sandbach will look to improve on that performance and particularly on their defensive organisation and being more clinical in taking their chances. There are one or two missing this bank holiday weekend, but none the less a strong team has been selected and the game gives the new and returning players another good opportunity to bed in. Altrincham Kersal had a disappointing season last term, when a series of injuries disrupted them and saw them drop out of the North One West League. However, under new Sale Sharks coach Cameron Nield, they will be looking to bounce straight back and I’m sure fellow Shark Rob Webber, will be keen to have the coaching bragging rights, come next Monday.
Saturday will be a busy day as the rest of the squad take part in a three-way game at home v Leek and Aldwinians. Sandbach kick-off at 12.00 noon v Leek, then Leek v Aldwinians at 12.40 and finally Sandbach v Aldwinians at 13.15.
Meanwhile the club is also hosting a charity game for the Rock 2 Recovery organisation, with a Veteran’s game against the Royal Marines, for the Immun’age Cup. Both the Cheshire Vase and charity match games kicking off at 3.00 pm