Match Preview

The 2019-20 rugby season sees Anselmians in the newly created North West Two division with Manchester and De La Salle joining us as the trio relegated from level six last term. Anselmians and De La Salle knew their fate long before the last game but Manchester, who finished fifty-two points and one place above Saints, were only one victory from safety.

We begin our campaign at Grove Park, Cheadle Hulme. Manchester is one of the oldest rugby union clubs in the world, founded in 1860, and they have a long and distinguished history.

Last season we had two close games with honours even. Last October we lost an exciting game away 31-33 and last January we prevailed 16-12 at Rivacre Park. Prior to that, we last played Manchester when they won the South Lancashire/Cheshire Division 1 and were promoted to North One West. In September and December 2016 respectively, we were defeated away 20-63 and, in the return at Malone Field, we lost 10-41.

Manchester play an attractive, open game similar to the Saints and spectators can look forward to a fast, flowing game. Anselmians will be keen to atone for their inconsistent application in last weekend's Cheshire Cup match at Wilmslow and fulfil their obvious potential. Despite relegation, Anselmians are under no illusion how tough this league will be.