Our hosts have a rich heritage dating back almost 100 years. More recently was the club's greatest moment when, in 2011, they achieved national honours by beating Aylesford Bulls 16-10 at Twickenham to win the National Intermediate Cup. Stoke have also produced a fine crop of international players over the years including Dan Robson (Gloucester, Wasps, England and England U20), Ben White (Leicester, England (non-cap) and England U20) and Sam Lewis (Leicester and England U20) together with a number of U18 capped players.

Stoke are newcomers to Regional 1 NW this season having transitioned from the equivalent Midlands 1 league. They had something of a baptism by fire in their opening game losing to title favourites Rossendale and last weekend lost more narrowly to Blackburn away from home.

Our opponents are therefore something of an unknown quantity and are likely to be challenging opponents as they seek to make amends for a so far winless opening start to the 2024-25 season.