Match Preview

Encouraged by an improved, if not winning, performance last Saturday, Anselmians travel to Widnes for their next League fixture.
Widnes began the season in fine style winning their first four games, but somewhat strangely stalled, and lost the next three on the trot. Such mercurial behaviour might encourage Anselmians, who will hope to catch them on an off day. The visitors should be wary, however, because, although they lost in a close game at New Brighton last week, they remain the only side to beat Douglas this season.
Seasoned Anselmian supporters will argue that for large parts of our game against Douglas last Saturday, the 1st XV was the better side, and, indeed, the same could be said about the Glossop match. The fact remains that when pressure is applied, the lads show their inexperience. Individual effort is not lacking, but a concerted and robust defensive mentality still eludes the team.
Last season Widnes completed the double against us, winning handsomely at home 30-7 and taking the spoils at Eastham 15-5 on St. Patrick’s Day at Malone Field. The year before it was our turn. We won narrowly at home 26-25 and prevailed at Heath Road, running out convincing winners, 34-10.
A morale boosting victory would set up the side for an intriguing Intermediate Cup clast next week against Cumbrian visitors, Aspatria, but there is a lot of unglamorous work beforehand if we are not to fall for the fifth consecutive time.