Match Preview

This Saturday, we make our first trip to Tarleton for our second fixture with the Lancastrian side. At least, we hope to travel in these uncertain times.
The Carr Lane team, founded in 1990, has made rapid progress in the last thirty years. Their elevation to North Two West has been via Lancashire (North), North Lancs/Cumbria 1, and South Lancashire/Cheshire 1 in successive seasons.
Tarleton are currently eighth in North Two West having won seven and lost fourteen of their twenty-one matches. Incredibly, for a side safely in mid-table, they had a terrible start, losing their first six games this season, often by a narrow margin.

When they played Anselmians at Rivacre Road in late November, Tarleton did not look like a side that had only won two games. Those who watched will recall an open game which Saints edged 25-22.

Since then, they have had notable wins against Sefton, Southport and Winning-ton Park until their run was ended last week, 43-8, at a resurgent Aspatria in Cumbria last week.

By comparison, they would not like to be reminded of their two games against Glossop this season when they were beaten, on both occasions, by fifty points.

With home advantage, Tarleton will be favourites, but if Saints can find the application and the determination, shown against Sefton a fortnight ago, spectators should see an exciting, high-scoring and close encounter.

If the match is on, support the Saints. There’s little sport available, nationally and locally.