Prior to our last visit to Cumbria this season, Anselmians have not played for four weeks and the last game we played ended with our only defeat this season away to Rochdale.

St. Benedict’s from Whitehaven, who we visit on 12th March are, technically, an old boys club, initially founded as a rugby club for the ex-pupils of St. Benedict’s Catholic High School, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Currently 10th, the “Bennies” have had a mixed season. While solid at home, where they have won five, drawn one and lost four matches, they are yet to record an away victory. In fact, they have only won one game in 2022, an all-Cumbria affair at neighbours, Cockermouth, where “the Bennies” prevailed 15-23. Two weeks ago, they hosted Rochdale and lost 5-38. Last Saturday, at Leigh, they conceded a home walkover, presumably St. Benedict’s couldn’t raise a quality side to travel.

Last November, we welcomed St. Benedict’s for their initial visit to Eastham Pavilion and won 72-19. Well, though, the Saints played, the enduring impression is that St. Benedict’s, like all Cumbrian sides, have difficulty getting their best XV to travel outside the county.
With the rumours of yet another reorganisation of the leagues, it is likely that the first four or five sides will be in North One West next season, but Anselmians want to finish this season as champions.

Four weeks off, the last game ending in defeat and a three-hour coach trip to Cumbria are not the ideal preparation to resume rugby. If you add the semi-final visit to Macclesfield the following week, on 19th March, it is essential that Anselmians give a first-class exhibition at Whitehaven.