Match Preview

This Saturday, we return to Manchester for our second meeting with Eccles.

Eccles are currently thirteenth in North Two West having won four and lost twelve of their matches. Incredibly, they won three out of their first four games, but have lost eleven of their last twelve. Their last victory was back in October when they defeated Aspull at home.

Before the leagues were introduced, Eccles was a staple fixture for Anselmians, but we had not played them for many years until they visited Rivacre Road last October. Supporters will recall an entertaining game that we won 29-12.

Whilst North Two West is a new league this season, Eccles will not be phased as they have been in a different league for the each of the last three seasons. They were relegated from North One West in 2016-7, second bottom in the North Lancashire/Cumbria league in 2017-18 and came second to undefeated Aspull in Lancashire/Cheshire Division 2 in 2018-19.

By comparison, Eccles lost at home to De La Salle by a similar margin, 15-17, as we did a fortnight ago. Our 18-20 defeat against De La Salle was a wake-up call and Anselmians will be keen to replicate the fast, open play that characterised the first half an hour against Bolton two games ago.

The Saints will want an emphatic victory but, given the difficulties evident in our last home game, nothing can be taken for granted. Understandably, Eccles will want to end this miserable run and will see this game as an opportunity.