Anselmians back on top of the league following win over Glossop

Following last week’s reverse at Waterloo, it was imperative Saints put in a strong performance.

Nursing a couple of injuries, the home team had to make a couple of necessary changes but that didn’t stop a determined home performance. With the earlier 2.15pm kick off, the pitch had stood up to the elements this week and was in good nick, all things considered.

Playing towards the car park in the first half, Saints started brightly making early gains into the opposing 22. On seven minutes, a well-worked move off the tail of a lineout put Joel Ashton into a gap with quick feet he went over close to the posts, Dai added the extras and Saints lead 7-0.

A good side learns previous lessons and this one is no different, having passed up a few kickable penalty opportunities the previous week, today would be different. On 13 minutes Glossop put hands in the ruck 40 metres out in line with the left post. Without hesitation the posts were pointed at, and Dai crafted another three points to keep the scoreboard moving 10-0.

Immediately from the restart, Saints were guilty of switching off when the call was shouted to leave as it was thought to be gliding into touch, but the winger stole it and made good yards into the home team’s 22. Saints were adjudged to have strayed offside at the breakdown and McGovern earned 3 points 10-3.

Glossop are always strong opposition and this was no different, with Liam McGovern at 10 attempting to orchestrate proceedings by kicking for territory, the Saints back three were happy to return the ball with interest and set up further attacks from good field positions. An excellent line out ball on 24 minutes saw another move put Ewan Nolan away to break a tackle and beat two defenders to go under the posts 17-3.

Following a Biblical rainstorm after half an hour, Glossop seemed more at home with said weather pattern and began to exert further pressure on the hosts. During this period against the general run of play, Adam Bramall gambled on a long-passed ball in his own half by intercepting and going the length of the field to touch down under the sticks 24-3 HT.

Glossop began the second half more brightly, attempting to put Saints off their stride and were rewarded on 52 minutes with a converted try, 24-10.

Enjoying their best phase of the game Glossop tried in vain to make further inroads onto the scoreboard.

Saints had other ideas and were controlling the game up front and playing sensible possession rugby. On 75 minutes Saints were awarded a penalty in front of the posts, having not yet earned a bonus point they opted to take the easy three on offer to move themselves more than two scores away from their opponents and back themselves in the closing stages to fashion a chance to earn the bonus point. 27-10.

That chance came in the 39th minute when the excellent Joel Ashton latched onto a flowing back’s move and gave himself a one-on-one with the Glossop full back, a feint inside and a long ark on the outside saw him touch down in the corner, bonus point earned and Dai made the extras for good measure.

With word quickly finding its way to Malone Field that Birkenhead Park had done Saints a favour by beating Loo, Saints were once again at the summit.

A tough fixture away to Rochdale awaits Saints next week, travelling supporters will be well aware that was the only game Saints lost last year and they will need to be on top form to earn the win.

Image credit: Derek Salisbury Snr

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