Match Preview

So another season in South Lancashire/Cheshire Division 1 for Anselmians begins this Saturday at the same venue they began last season. Last season’s visit to Southport ended with a 16-26 defeat and Anselmians would begin the 2016-17 season with six consecutive League defeats.

Although Anselmians eventually survived in the division, we should not forget that they lost four of their last five fixtures conceding bottom of the table Oswestry their only win and ending with a sound thrashing by book-ending Southport at Eastham 22-57.

And, in addition, two losses this season in a friendly and the Cheshire Bowl mean that the 1XV last tasted victory on April 1st.
Last Saturday, Winnington Park deservedly won 31-24, but we should be grateful for our early elimination so we can concentrate on securing our future in the League.

Southport, by contrast. Have started brightly and last Saturday had a morale boosting away victory, 12-10, at Keswick in the Lake District.
Anselmians must start the season well if they are to avoid the roller coaster that was last season. What better place to star than at the home of the club that comprehensively outplayed them last season?