Match Preview

For our first away game of the new year, we visit Bolton.

They are currently 7th, having won six, drawn one and lost six games. Supporters will recall the thrill-ing game at Rivacre Road in September when we swept to victory with an exhilarating second half performance to win an exciting game 61-27.

Since then, Bolton have continued to play in this expansive, high risk way, occasionally losing, sometimes winning, but committed to a running game. As a measure, they beat Anselmians’ oppo-nents last week, Aspull, last November 25-6.

Last season, Bolton finished fourth in South Lancashire/Cheshire 1, but in the restructuring of the leagues, found themselves in the new North Two West, along with the lowest three teams in North West One and the top two of South Lancashire/Cheshire 2.

Anselmians were drawn to play Bolton in the 2016-17 RFU National Cup competition. In a group of three, including Aspatria, Bolton and ourselves lost in the autumn to the Cumbrians and, quite rightly, realised the redundant nature of their fixture in February 2017.
Aspatria qualified and Anselmians and Bolton never played.

After an encouraging start against Aspull last week, Saints made hard work of their narrow victory. They will need to at their best if Bolton are to be denied revenge for last September’s defeat.