This Saturday we welcome De La Salle, last year’s champions of the North Lancashire/Cumbria division. Predictably, “Della” have had similar problems to ourselves in adjusting to the pace and intensity of the higher level six. They are currently bottom, having won just one of their nineteen games.
That sole victory was, somewhat surprisingly, at home to Penrith, three weeks ago when they triumphed 24-21. Despite heavy defeats, (including conceding four scores of over fifty points), and losing seven of their matches without scoring, they are capable of surprising teams. They ambushed Penrith early on this season, losing by four points, and only lost to Manchester, 16-19.
That last result should remind Anselmians’ supporters of the close game against the same opponents when we last played at Rivacre Road.
The Saints, courtesy of that victory against Manchester, are currently just above our visitors by six points and, although both sides are likely to be relegated notwithstanding any re-organisation of the leagues, there is still a lot to play for.
Strangely, given it was only their second victory this season, Saints were dissatisfied with their performance in winning 16-13 last October at Lancaster Road, and will be keen to improve on that result.
Anselmians expect a close fought contest, but will surely learn from their performance against Waterloo last Saturday when they failed to score for over an hour. Returning coach McKinney and his players will work hard to eradicate the errors that bedevilled the game last week, and will seek consecutive victories at their temporary home.