At the start of the season, knowing that league rugby was beyond us financially we decided to use the Cheshire Plate for some competitive matches and to plug the gaps with challenging friendlies. This weekend is the first of those and was scheduled to me against Manchester Medics. Those bloody students are too fit for their own good and always give a tough game. Sadly, they use a College pitch and the College pulled the plug on them on Monday leaving us with £4000 worth of travel expenses and no game.

Gareth Hinge MBE stepped up and after some scrabbling around on Facebook, found us a game against Dukinfield. They play in the league above Vagas and beat Vagas 45-3 in the Cheshire Bowl earlier in the season. They won't be at full strength but should be tough anyway.

Team news is that S. Fish switches to loosehead prop which should be easy for an athlete like him, especially as we know that looseheads don't have to push in the scrums. Birthday boy Shagnus steps in at hooker. Fireman JR pops into the second row and honeymooner Crackers is welcomed back into the back row.

Also making a welcome return is Danny Howard who goes in at 9 with the versatile Robbo at 10. Regaby Joe also makes a welcome return at full back now he's over his hurty leg. There will be some additions to the squad and Knealetwin K is the travelling official.