RU: Newly-promoted Wilmslow face a tough test against Blackburn in their first match in North Two West at Pownall Park.
The South Lancs/Cheshire One champions can expect a torrid time up front against the Lancashire side, but skipper Alex McLennan says his team is ready for battle.
The Wolves could have done with more testing preparation than a four-quarter warm-up against Bowdon last week, but fresh opposition for last Saturday could not be found after Durham-based Hordern cried off.
This Saturday sees a first team debut for former Macclesfield and King's Macc scrum-half Jimmy Sweetzer, who was welcomed into the Wolves' lair this summer by old pal Charlie Levings, who will play nearby on the back row.
Elsewhere it's very much 'as you were' for a Wilmslow side that has flourished remarkably with precious little strength in depth.
Their league championship success last season speaks volumes for a tight-knit band of players and their skipper, coaches and management who prevailed against the odds.
This season's opening fixture will be no different. Already new signing Ian Tyson, the former Vale of Lune full back, finds himself unavailable, along with second row Rob Cowley and utility back Peter Rutledge.
"Last season was tremendous, but we have got to put it to the back of our minds and concentrate on the job in hand," said skipper McLennan.
"We have done our homework on Blackburn and have been warned what to expect. It should be an exciting taste of what's to come this season."
The Wolves welcome back injury-plagued Jamie Fletcher to play alongside McLennan in the second row. Ageless hooker Jed Hill will be flanked by props Rob Fahey and Mike Blackett and James Kennerley will be among those fighting for a place on the back row with Levings and player-coach Steve Hanson.
New boy Sweetzer partners the talented Ross Hunter at half back and Phil Carr and Rob Milner fill the centre berths. Chris Jones returns on the wing and Ben Warren fills in at full bWack.
"We have worked long and hard this summer to prepare for life in a new league. We are as ready as we can be for anything. Now is the time to put up or shut up."
Wilmslow kick off against Blackburn at 3pm and spectators are very welcome to enjoy the rugby and clubhouse atmosphere at Pownall Park.
As the season gets under way, players young and old are invited to join in the fun at Wilmslow. The club is fielding several senior sides this season and players of all ages and ability are welcome. Training takes place on Mondays and Thursdays at 7pm or contact the club on Wilmslow (01625) 522274.
The season's social calendar also kicks off on Saturday night with a school disco event at the clubhouse.
Meanwhile, Wilmslow RUFC's Mini and Junior sections commence their season this coming Sunday (September 8).
The club, which boasts one of the largest youth sections in the North of England welcomes boys and girls from the age of 6 who wish to try out their talents at the game of rugby.
Junior section Chairman Steve Heaney said: "Rugby is a game for all shapes and sizes unlike other sports that require a certain physique to take part.
"Rugby is not just about physically playing the game but also about character building and discipline.
"I know from my days of playing rugby at school how it helped shape my attitude to life and has benefited me throughout my life and at work."
If you are interested in starting rugby, registration is this Sunday at 10.15am at the club, which is situated at the bottom of Kings Road.
Training will take place for the first three Sundays after which there is a mixture of games and further training.
If you are an established rugby player but play elsewhere - for instance, at school - then you are also welcome at Wilmslow, which boasted Cheshire Champions at three age groups last season.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of membership in the Wilmslow Mini/Junior section feel free to contact Steve Heaney on 01625 533814.
