Eccles are currently third in North Two West having won three out of their four games. On the first day of the season, they travelled to Southport and won a convincing victory, 29-64. They followed up this triumph with a narrow home win, 37-35, against Lancashire side, Tarleton.

A fortnight ago they lost at Winnington Park, 49-25, but returned to winning ways last weekend at home just edging Cumbrian side, Aspatria.

Before the leagues Eccles was a staple fixture for Anselmians but we have not played them for many years.

Whilst North Two West is a new invention, this will not phase Eccles, who have been in a different league for the last few seasons. They were relegated from North One West in 2016-7, second bottom in the North Lancs/Cumbria league in 2017-18 and came second to undefeated Aspull in Lancashire/Cheshire Division 2 in 2018-19.

Last week's defeat at De La Salle was a wake-up call and Anselmians will be keen to replicate the fast, open play that characterised the last half an hour against Bolton two weeks ago.