Match Preview

After a tough game at Southport last week, the XV welcome Tarleton in an effort to maintain their unbeaten home record. Though founded less than thirty years ago, Tarleton have made impressive progress. Equidistant to, and in the middle of a triangle consisting of Preston, Southport and Ormskirk, the Lancashire club has been promoted twice and has been champions twice in the last six years.
In their ten games, the Carr Lane outfit have won two and lost eight. They are currently 11th in North Two West, having spent last season in Lancashire/Cheshire 1, where they finished 9th.

Tarleton were North Lancashire division 1 champions in 2012-13 and spent the next two seasons finishing mid table in the North Lancashire/Cumbria league. For the next two years, they were in the Lancashire (North) league, ending up as champions in 2016-17. Their qualification for the new division of North Two West was guaranteed when they finished above Sefton last season in Lancashire /Cheshire 1.
Whilst Tarleton has a had a rude awakening to the realities of this new division, they have only twice scored less than twenty points, whether in victory or defeat. Clearly they are an attacking force to be feared. In addition, half of their games have resulted in six or less points difference between the sides.

As a matter of comparison, they beat Southport, at home, last month, 31-28, and gained a narrow victory at Winnington Park. Last week, they entertained where they lost a close contest against Aspatria from Cumbria, 15-23.
Whilst it is always pleasant to play new sides, Saints will want to reinforce the lessons learnt at Southport and will note that Tarleton's results indicate an indomitable spirit and an attacking flair.