Sandbach welcome Stockport to Bradwall Road for the second time this season, as they go again in the Pappa John’s Plate. Sandbach lost in the opening round whilst Stockport did manage a win at home against York 24 v 13, but there is still plenty to play for, with two rounds yet to go. Due to injury, weddings and availability, Sandbach travelled to Cleckheaton in the first round with a very youthful team and though well beaten in the end, valuable experience was gained by the young side, which will help in their long-term development. This Saturday Sandbach should be something like their normal self, with some more familiar faces in the line-up, but it still gives a few players the opportunity to put their hands up and get noticed by the coaching team.

Sandbach were fortunate to get two close wins against Stockport in the league campaign (10 v 0 and 15 v 22) but no doubt Saturday will bring a similar challenge. In both games Sandbach were made to work hard for their victories, where in the first game they had to put in a big defensive shift, whilst the second one they gave too many penalties away and paid the price as the South Manchester outfit made use of their effective driving maul to profit. Sandbach will therefore be hoping the current bout of wind and rain has passed through come Saturday, as they will hopefully be trying to run the opposition big lads around. Whatever the weather though it will be good to get back on home turf and have the support of the Bach faithful and no matter what the outcome, we have an entertaining game for the end of the season for all to watch.