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Saints put in another solid performance on their home debut at Level 6 against a strong defence.
On a weekend where ensuring respect to the late Queen Elizabeth was a priority the day started with an impeccably observed minutes silence and a full instrumental version of God save the Queen/King.
The pitch was in excellent condition following the summer work carried out by Taff and his ‘Last of the Summer wine’ brigade. A good home crowd had gathered to support Saints given all the professional ‘Toe Ball’ games were postponed to another day.
Saints Kicked off the match to Altrincham Kersal, the early exchanges suggested AK were well set up and organized in defence, Saints would need to be patient and build their phases. On 10 mins following an offside penalty infringement Dai kicked into the corner, a catch and drive followed by a jab saw Degsy cross for the first try, Dai added the two and Saints were 7-0 up.
The next 20 minutes saw Saints making a couple of handling errors that saw them come up short in the opponent’s five metre and AK managed to turn possession over at the ruck as they worked hard to gain a foothold in the game.
On 32 minutes, Saints forced Altrincham Kersal into a handling error which saw the ball moved quickly into space on the left wing, Joel Ashton making his home debut showed a maturity beyond his years to beat his man with quick footwork and sprint untouched sixty metres to open his try scoring account, Dai added the extras and Saints lead 14-0 at HT.
Saints made changes at half time which saw the versatile Harry Graham move from the front row into the back row and on 46 minutes after sustained pressure he managed to get on the end of a well-worked move to cross and bring the score up to 19-0 (Dai missed his first kick of the season, and the only one of the day).
Saints were now in control of the game as the lineout continued to provide a solid platform for attacks, the defence was resolute with Jack Sanders prominent and as always James O. The bonus point arrived on 58 mins as a well-worked move sent James over the gain line and into space only to be brought down inches short, the ball was quickly recycled to the midfield where Tom Gilbert was on hand in space to score, 26-0.
Kostja entered the fray in lieu of player Coach Degsy and now all ‘Finishers’ were on the park. On 33 minutes Kosta was on hand following a sweeping Saints move that ended up deep in their opponent’s twenty-two, a couple of Jabs later and a finishing try bringing the final score to 33-0.
To Altrincham Kersal’s credit, they worked tirelessly to keep Saints at bay and showed plenty of fight to suggest they will provide sturdy opposition to all teams this season.
On a day when three of Saints tries were scored by new players to the team Saints can be pleased with their day’s work but mindful of tough games looming large on the horizon.
Anselmians15 James Whitehouse14 Adam Bramhall13 Thomas Banks12 Ransford Otutaha11 Joel Ashton10 David Morley9 George Manger1 Robert O’Donnell2 Harry Graham3 Derek Salisbury4 Samuel Gregory5 Jack Richards6 Jack Sanders7 Thomas Gilbert8 William GrabeAnselmians SubsS1 Daniel SalisburyS2 Kostja VezanovsS3 Niall Cavanagh
Altrincham Kersal15 George Walker14 John Singleton13 Lewis Townsend12 Tom Hughes11 Joseph Horsfall10 Jacob Daldry9 Samuel Gallimore1 Christopher Weighell2 Paul Mallaband3 Jack Gallimore4 Steven Perkins5 Aaron Loftus6 Kieran Lalley7 Thomas Moncur8 Andrew DaunceyAltrincham Kersal SubsS1 Douglas WhyleyS2 Jamie LehwaldS3 Matthew Hoye
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