Match Preview

This weekend we welcome Broughton Park. Our visit to south Manchester last autumn resulted in a nine try thrashing, and that was after we had won consecutive games! However, with three consecutive victories and last weekend off, Anselmians should be able to make a closer contest this time.

Whilst we were idle last weekend, Broughton Park, somewhat surprisingly, lost 7-25 away at Bowdon. Despite this reverse, they remain fourth in the table having won twelve of their eighteen games this season. Last season it was one apiece, with Anselmians losing away 10-12, but winning the return encounter at Malone Field 25-17.

Anselmians recent improvement has meant we have leap-frogged Manchester Medics and are now fourth from bottom. We are, nevertheless, a long way from safety. The team above us, Sefton, are eleven points clear and have a game in hand on ourselves. We have five home games left with only three away and we have to play Medics at home and Oswestry away.
Coach Jim O’Loughlin will obviously “target” certain fixtures, but will also fancy the team’s chance this weekend. As well as the recent good form, there is the small matter of a 12-59 defeat at Broughton Park in October to be avenged.

A close match is expected.