Sandbach travel to the Memorial Ground on Friday evening, to kick start their season with the Cheshire Cup tie against Stockport RUFC. Sandbach can expect a tough game against the Bramhall based outfit, who have several experienced campaigners in their ranks. By all accounts they have a strong scrummage, led by former Macclesfield prop and player coach Tom Mantell, while experienced fly half and backs coach Tom Eaton also served his time with Macc in the National Leagues.

Sandbach will certainly be looking to improve on their last run out, with a frustrating performance against a decent Stoke side in a joint training game last Thursday. Though there were several players missing and there is clearly still work to do before the league season starts, they will know that they will have to approach the game with the right attitude and look to look after the ball better. Clearly after 18 months off and a few new faces, there is some coaching and learning to do before things really begin to tick. However, discipline will also be a factor, as teams have shown that at whatever level, you will be punished if you consistently get on the wrong side of the referee.

Sandbach will be hoping for an improvement in the weather, when during their last three warm up games they have endured drizzly conditions and a greasy ball, which has not helped their all-court game. Whatever the conditions though, often in these local matches, you need to find a way to win, as the cup tie atmosphere and partisan home crowds always make things difficult, so expect a hard-fought game.