Match Preview

This Saturday we welcome our old friends from Glossop.

Since promotion to South Lancashire/Cheshire 1, Glossop have established themselves as one of the better and more consistent sides. In the last four years they have finished 5th, 4th, 7th and, last season, 3rd. They are currently fourth and have won five of their seven games thus far, most recently defeating Manchester Medics 38-7. They remain unbeaten at home and have impressive and high-scoring wins at New Brighton and Widnes.

We lost heavily at home and away last season, being thrashed 13-53 at Malone Field and losing the return 25-48. We have never won at Hargate Hill and, indeed, we have only won two of our last six encounters. Games between the two clubs are usually entertaining and been free-scoring contests.

Despite being our furthest fixture, Anselmians’ visits to Glossop are always eagerly anticipated. Since establishing themselves in this division, they have developed into a robust and enterprising side who enjoy themselves on and off the pitch.

Anselmians will be confident given their excellent start to the season. To get a bonus point in last week’s victory at Hoylake in appalling conditions will reinforce the home side’s self-belief, but Saints will be aware of the power of the Glossop pack and the side’s ability to counter-attack. An open and entertaining match is in prospect.