HAT-TRICK DAY COMPLETES THE JOB

The pre-season conditioning work paid off in a convincing win over Anselmians at the Memorial Ground on Saturday. Hardened bodies made for tough tackling in defense and, as the game wore on, created holes for the Wolves backs to run riot in the second half.

Wilmslow started strong creating good scroring positions from offensive tacking, strategic kicking, and strong defense. Early season handling errors led to a number of missed opportunities but 10 minutes into game a clean execution from an attacking scrum led to the first score. Danny Jones picked from base of scrum and drove hard, early release of the ball from ruck and Craig Cooper scorched a great line off Jack Harrison distribution to score under the post. Edward Armitage duly converted the first of four conversions of the day.

It was not all one way traffic as the lively Anselmians scrum half Jo Laxton broke away with two quick tap penalties, both leading to points under the post for Sam Mason, who also converted: Wilmslow caught napping.

Both Anselmians and Wilmslow gifted penalties from re-starts. Further pressure from Wolves counter-rucking led to further infringments and more points to Wilmslow. 17-13 down at half time more work was needed.

Forwards coach and architect of the toughened Wolves forwards, Rick Jones, replaced Danny Jones and one minute later finished a slick forward and backs passing move to score in the corner.

On a hot day the fitness of the visitors began to show and hole makers capitalized. The dynamic center partnership of Craig Cooper and Richard Hughes punched consistently through the tiring defense in a devastating spell. With space created behind the lines the back three of Oli McCall, Edward Armitage, and Benjamin Day (2 tries) capitalised. The pick of the three was set up by a 30 yard run from Cooper out of Wilmslow 22, finished off by Armitage under the post.

From a destructive scrummage Alex Donaldson nipped one against the head, simple hands and Richard Hughes went over in corner. From the kick off the gritty Anslemians pushed hard and managed to create a mis-match in Wolves 22 allowing Laxton to set up try for Nathan McHugh, converted by Mason. With game lost Anselmians played positively but lost ball in 22 . Tom Hall drove through defense and swift hands from backs completed a good day for man of match Benjamin Day as he went over in corner to complete his hat-trick of tries.