For those about the rock....

If you get a chance have a look at the Worcester Warriors kit. Its the picture on this article. You could be mistaken that they are playing in Anselmians RUFC jerseys...and the way the lads played this weekend many a Premiership team would be proud for them to don the team colours.
If you look up the definition of Warrior then you get. One who is engaged in or experienced in battle, a group who is engaged aggressively or energetically in an activity or cause. Well today the Saints and Helsby were true Warriors in what ever definition you prefer to use.
In our first away fixture of the season, we took the short trip to Helsby with a development team having agreed with our opponents we wanted to give substantial game time to all our players. The team were missing a few of the goto players who have played so well this season so it was with interest that the coaches send the 1stXV onto the pitch.
The first 15mins was an equal contest, Helsby took the lead but couldn’t get the extras. From the sideline it was obvious the boys were waiting for someone to step up to the mark. One by one they realised it was down to them as individuals. Pete in the backrow make good ground and hit hard. Ethan showed he can take on anyone and Rory out of position made his presence felt.
Helsby with an ex front row coach had a solid scrum but Connal and the duo-Matts made things difficult for them and pushed them back at important points of the game. Tom and Gio looked a great partnership in the 2nd row. The forwards won enough ball for the backs to put in a good shift...
Matty Mac crossed for Saints first. Using quick ball from a ruck, Scholes put Sean into the right channel, St John went on a mazy run taking defenders left and right before setting up a short pass to our resident No2 poacher who went over for a great team try. Extras to Sean...game on.
Mike worked well in the centres and started releasing our wingers, George was unlucky not to score after a great scrum where a Sam S- Sean loop put him into a big gap. Daniel looked a danger on the wing and made the run of the game taking a short ball off 10 and running through the middle hard and fast, when taken down he set it up like a pro. Top work mate – match winning stuff.
However who was this mystery man at full back, a few people knew him from school. He looked the part and was in the right place at the right time....well its not often you get a hat trick on debut...welcome to the Saints Alex you have a great future with the boys from Malone Field. His first try from his own22 was pure class, taking on the defenders he put down the gas, coasted until the FB came over then broke on the inside....would like to say it was down to the coaching but he is just a natural 2 footed athlete.

To have such a great game you need to come up against another team who are equally stubborn to defend their cause and line to bring the best out of you. Helsby were just that team.
With just 11 players at the start of the season but with good numbers now they are all that is good about local rugby. Fair, skilled and passionate. They tackled well in the first half, and if it had not been for a few stand out performance by Saints players then they could easily have had the lead at the break.

With lots of changes at the half, with new faces up front and across the backs the Saints coaches cast the dice to see if the promise showed in training could come up trumps on the pitch. Alex bagged 2 more. And MattyMac added a brace to his opening salvo...front row hat trick...dont be daft...oh my oh my!!!
The best try of the game must have been the lesser spotted Gilroy driving over in the corner. He always works hard and has captained the team this season, his directness added to good team pressure was a real popular team effort and the smile might wash off his face by mid-week.
Sean fed Daniel a great short ball and he was unlucky not to stick it under the posts from 60m out..next time fella.
Helsby were not daunted and although finding Saints more of a handful in phases they struck back with 2 good tries from long distance, with valor like this they will continue to improve and we look forward to another session next year...will drop them a line soon about this.
With all this Saints and Warriors talk...it sounds like a Crusade...which reminds me we need to get a tour sorted out. Pete Grady has volunteered to do the co ordination, could you just put a comment below if you are interested.

Rough details (TBC) – Cost – as cheap as we can! “Cheap as chips tour”
April 20th pm - Leave by mini bus from Wirral c 18.00hrs
Travel prob to South Lake District and stay in a cheap and cheerful lodge
Feed the kids , relax and early to bed...erm right
21st am – Up and bfast
Mid morning travel to local rugby club to play the opener b4 a First Team game
Lunch and awards for all
Pm Watch rugby and relax while re-hydrating and carb loading...
Eve Back to accommodation for protein drinks , ice baths and an early night
22nd Up and bfast
Mid morning travel to local rugby club to play a couple of games
Lunch and awards for all
Travel back to Wirral arrive back c 15.30hrs

Sounds like a plan...now just need to sort out mini buses, drivers, food, accommodation, 2 games rugby and organise the kids to be in the right place at the right time...Petes gonna need some help so put in the comments below if you can help and for example if you have a mini bus driving accreditation etc