Possibly not Saints slickest performance of the season so far but the forwards set the platform for the victory against a Manchester side that have not been at their usual top five form this season.

Man of the match Olly Dodd played with his usual commitment and sacrifice in defence and attack. Our scorers for the record were: Ben Jones x2, Sam Cotgrave x2, Ewan Nolan, Olly Dodd, Lewis Kincart, Harrison Crowe, Dan Woods and Nick Baldwin x7 conversions.

In Regional NW 1 Saints finish the year top, Joe Sanders leads the try scoring table on 19, with Dan Woods sitting in 6th on 12 tries and Nick Baldwin remains the 3rd highest points scorer on 123.

So that's it for the calendar year! Saints return on 10th January to open 2026 against Bowdon at Malone Field and hopefully pick up where they left off. Just 9 games now remain of a season that has been typified by exceptional forwards play at both set pieces and in the loose. The backs have been as lively as ever with contributions across the line - too many to mention and unfair to single out any individual by name. Our players making their debut season at Anselmians have undoubtedly strengthened us and the promotion of our colts into the 1st XV has been a joy to witness.

All that remains is to thank all of our players across Saints, the 2's, the Mavs, colts and junior teams for making us proud week in week out and to wish them, their coaches, management, supporters, members and volunteers a very happy Christmas and a peaceful new year!

Come on Annies!