This week see’s the 1st round of the newly formed Pappa John’s Community Cup. A cup competition which sees the Bach drawn in a group with, Cleckheaton RUFC, York RUFC & Stockport RUFC, the winner of the group progressing to the next round. First up for the players this weekend involves the 1st XV travelling to Cleckheaton for the first time and a warm Yorkshire welcome is expected. Cleck finished sixth in the corresponding East league to Sandbach and lost narrowly to Scunthorpe last time out. Not much is known about our opponents on Saturday, other than you can see the ground from the M62, as we know having travelled on that motorway, to the likes of Scunthorpe and Doncaster in the recent past.

With issues regarding availability due to the late issue of the fixtures, injury and after wedding festivities, the coaching team see the competition as a great opportunity to blood some youngsters and give them a deserved shot in the 1st XV. It’s looking like a couple of recent Mini / Junior graduates will be making their debuts but having just successfully played in the County Under 20’s competition, they should be able to take this all in their stride. These lads would welcome some support though and with no home game there is no excuse not to travel with the boys on the team coach. Meet 11.15 am and don’t be late.