Anselmians victorious over Vale of Lune

With a big crowd celebrating 75 Years of Anselmians rugby along with the Past Players Lunch before the game, Anselmians scored eight tries.

The weather was kind on the day considering the time of year with a slight intermittent drizzle. Taff and his army of helpers made sure the pitch was in great shape for a special day of celebration.

Saints kicked off playing towards the second team pitch, the Vale pack was noticeably bigger and heavier than the home side and the early exchanges suggested Vale of Lune meant business as they gave notice of their intent. 

In the ninth minute, Saints broke the visitors’ defence with a well-worked catch and drive from eight metres out, Daniel Salisbury crossed 5-0. 

Vale were lively in attack but Saints’ defence was up to the task of keeping them in check, for the most part. On 28 minutes James O found space and beat three defenders on his way to the line 10-0. 

Saints were now in control of the game and began to win excellent line out possession. On 36 minutes the move of the match saw a ball moved off the top into midfield with Joel Ashton latching onto a missed pass, he made the gap and fed on to Ewan Nolan outside who in turn drew the final defender to put Adam Bramhall away into the corner 15-0. 

The bonus point was earned on 39 minutes with another catch and drive in the left corner, the impressive Jon Bonner crossed with Dai adding the extras HT 22-0. 

The second half started in a similar fashion, with Saints using possession intelligently and everyone looking for work off the ball. 

On 43 minutes Man of the Match Joel Ashton came off his wing to beat two men and score by the posts to give Dai an easy conversion 29-0. 

Vale tried hard to stem the flow of attacks from the home side but determined play from Fred Clark on 51 mins saw him over the line to extend the home team’s lead to 37-0 with Dai adding the conversion. 

A good phase of play followed from Vale, and they were justifiably rewarded with a try on 58 minutes following a mix-up in Saints midfield 36-7. 

James O scored his second try of the day on 67 mins with a trademark powerful run beating two defenders, Dai added two and the score stood at 43-7. 

A game played in the right spirit all day threatened to boil over in the 72nd minute when a player from each team was shown a yellow and sent for an early shower.

Jon Bonner capped off a good day’s work on 74 minutes with his second of the day bringing the final score to 50-7. 

Vale of Lune didn’t stop all day and must be congratulated for their efforts. 

Altrincham Kersal away is next up for Saints and nothing other than a solid performance will do if they are to maintain their position at the summit. 

Image credit: Derek Salisbury Snr

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