Against a team that hasn't suffered defeat for more than a year, and with a team that was without 10 squad players available for selection, this was a notable victory.

The game started at a pace which is more common at higher levels with Saints dismantling potent Aspull attacks with a rapid line defence and robust tackling.

That said, Aspull were first to warm up the score-board with a well taken penalty from 30m after just 9 minutes. This was very quickly neutralised when Liam McGovern returned the honour with 3 points of his own.

The pack began to dominate set-pieces and often preferred scrummages to penalty kicks in their opponents red-zone. The front row presence of power-house debutant, Gavin Hughes alongside veteran Scott Tunna and a rejuvenated Steve Brookes, laid the foundation for an exhilarating first half performance producing 3 unanswered tries for the Saints.

Half Time: 3-22

But, the rugby gods are fickle!

Injuries to Will Grabe and Gavin Hughes gave rise to a flurry of half-time exchanges and the very spirited Aspull side took advantage. Aspull were pressing hard in the early second-period exchanges (one could see how they were so successful last season!) and Saints succumbed to a yellow card (Petterson), over-enthusiastically trying to prevent an early Aspull try. During Petto's 10 minutes' absence, The home team had their tails up and piled on 17 points to Saints 7 (try by Evans converted by Guv).

Aspull continued to apply pressure and got within 2 points of Anselmians with another converted try (27-29).

Then up stepped "The Guv". Three long-range penalties in rapid succession; 63mins, 65mins and 66mins, took the game away from their hosts with a two try deficit. But, Aspull still piled on the pressure and were rewarded with an un-converted try with just two minutes on the clock. (32-38). Saints were relieved when the ball was cleared to touch for the final whistle!

This was a tough encounter against very good opponents. They are a much better team than Saints faced last week at Manchester and they should fare well as newly promoted contestants at this higher level.

It was a great first-half performance by Anselmians and a defiant second-half against a threatening Aspull attack.

On today's evidence, the value of a strong front row platform and a bountiful kicker is massive. And, the excellent perfomances of those players who stepped up will make it clear to absent players that no-one has an automatic right to a first team jersey! It will be a tough selection meeting for the coaches next Tuesday!

Man of the Match - Matty Dowler - his best performance to date in a Saints' Shirt!