This weekend, the 1st XV welcomes Aspull for our second meeting this season. We travelled to the newly promoted “Emus” in September and were fortunate to win our first game in the new North Two West league 32-38. In their inaugural game, Aspull went to Cumbria and pipped Aspatria 30-31.

Aspull have struggled since then and are currently 14th having won only two other games against De La Salle at home and a solitary away game at Sefton.

Last season, they won both the South Lancashire/Cheshire division 2 and the Lancashire Plate and ended the season unbeaten, winning all twenty league games.

Before the advent of leagues, Aspull was a regular fixture on the Anselmian calendar.

"The Emus", based at Woodshaw Park near Wigan, were formidable opponents as befits a union team trying to survive in rugby leagues heartland.

Aspull have not played since December, when they lost narrowly at Tarleton. Supporters will remember what a game the Tarleton lads played at Rivacre Road and the first XV will be determined to start the New Year with a victory to defend their unbeaten home record.

Click HERE for more images from the away game in September