Match Preview

Encouraged by an improved performance in their last home fixture in the thrilling win over Bowdon, Anselmians must forgot about a fortnight ago and the loss to Douglas and concentrate on the visit of Widnes to Malone Field this weekend. (Incidentally, Douglas followed our 0-47 defeat by beating Sefton 48-0 last week. They have only conceded three points in their last three games!)
Whilst we were failing to score in the Isle of Man, Widnes were efficiently dispatching New Brighton 29-17 for only their second win in 2017 and are comfortably eighth in the league table. They began the season in fine style winning their first four games, but stalled, and lost the next three on the trot. Their season has blown hot and cold, with some strange reverses at home and improbable away victories, but they remain one of three sides, with Manchester and Broughton Park, to beat Douglas this season.
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.
Anselmians must get something out of this fixture and simply must comprehensively defeat Manchester Medics next week if they are to survive in this division. In what has been a transition year, there has been much to admire in the Anselmians approach and supporters and players must believe that they will get the necessary points from the last four games, especially when three are at home.