Sandbach welcome Broadstreet to Bradwall Road on Saturday and after three league defeats on the run, will be looking to return to winning ways in the Midlands Premier. Back in early December Sandbach enjoyed a comfortable 19 v 48 win at the Ivor Preece Field, but since that game the Coventry based side have improved considerably and have put out a significantly different team of recent. As ever Sandbach’s team will be made up of around two thirds of the squad being graduates from their Mini Junior Section, so it will be good to see another on the park at the weekend, but this time for the opposition, with 2013/14 graduate Joe Jackson scheduled to play. Sandbach will also be hoping to finish the season with a late flourish, particularly with the Cheshire Cup Final scheduled for the May Bank Holiday weekend, but as the other semi final has yet to be played, the exact date, venue and opposition is yet to be confirmed.

Also, on Saturday we have a pre match memorial lunch celebrating Eddie Cooper, fondly known as Ed the Ball (ETB) a much-loved former member of the club who sadly passed away last year, and we finally have the chance to say goodbye. Eddie played for all of the sides within the club, captaining a successful second team during the 1996/97 season and standing for First team captain against George Elphick in 1999. Through the 90’s he was a keen committee member, between 90 and 92 holding the position of House Chairman, then as a General Committee member until in 1996 he took up the reigns of Social Secretary until 1999. The annual dinners at Keele Hall are well remembered with Eddie as MC dressed in the full regalia. The last being at the Moat House in Stoke on Trent.

In addition to all of this Eddie also coached in the Mini Junior section influencing a generation of young players and will be fondly remembered for some star turns at the clubs infamous “Talent Show” in the 80’s, where his natural wit was showcased to all. In 2001 he moved out to Portugal where he finished his playing career at Vilamoura Rugby Club.

If anyone is interested in attending, please contact Richard "Minty" Birtles on 07518299119. Meet 12.30pm for 1pm lunch. It costs £10 per head, which also includes a donation to sponsor the match ball.