Sandbach welcome Altrincham Kersal to Bradwall Road on Saturday, for the semi final of the Cheshire Cup. The kick off is a little earlier than normal at this time of the year, as AK have a function on later in the evening and to fit in with the Six Nations Internationals. Sandbach will be keen to reach the final again, to keep focus to the end of the season and potentially pick up some silverware along the way. It will not be straight forward, and they need to be wary, having slipped up in the past in this competition, to well-motivated sides from the division below.

Altrincham Kersal currently lie 10th in the North One West Division, having had a mixed season, but there results against runaway leaders Stockport show, they are more than capable of giving a side a game. Sandbach will be looking to get a few players back for the match following injury and availability issues recently, but with seven replacements allowed, it also gives the opportunity for the coaching staff to have a look at several the squad, who have been performing well over the recent weeks. The weather forecast is for a sunny afternoon with a moderate breeze, so no excuse for it not being a fast and open game, to entertain the crowd and hopefully see the Bach progress to the final.

The match will be sponsored by Hopkins family , in memory of Mike Hopkins, who sadly passed away during the recent Covid period. Mike was one of the founding members of the club, when it was reformed after the war in 1956 and went on to play with distinction, being Vice Captain in 1967/68. He then went on to serve the club as an officer, mostly notably as President from 1985 to 1992. Mike is still missed in the corner bar, but at least we have the opportunity to toast a fine fellow on Saturday.