Despite the result this was a great effort by Saints. Straight from the kick – off we were on the attack and our forwards managed to keep the pressure on. Sam B and Matthew putting in some sterling work in the rucks and mauls. Even though Saints spent most of the half going forward we were unable to score and turned around at nil – nil. Wilmslow came out fired up and put immense pressure on the Saints defence. This finally cracked in spite of a fine last ditch effort from Liam and Wilmslow were 1 up. Right from the kick – off Wilmslow made a great return and ran the length of pitch to score. Anselmians re–doubled their efforts but were unable to breach the resolute Wilmslow defence.

Game 2: Anselmians 1 vs Altrincham Kersal 1

Another tough game. This game was a lot tighter than the previous one and much of the 1st half was an extended maul. Again great work from the Anselmians forwards especially Ben GC who also hooked with great determination. Will was constantly sniping at the base of the scrum and did extremely well against an excellent AK scrum half. Saints profited from a loose Altrincham line out when Ewan was the most alert and picked up and charged over from 10m out. With Owen and Charlie C to the fore Saints shut out AK for most of the 2nd half however Altrincham deservedly equalized.

Game 3: Anselmians 7 vs Chester B 0

A must win game if Saints were to achieve their pre tournament aim of progressing in the plate. Chester started well and looked a decent outfit and put Anselmians under some early pressure. Charlie C took things into his own hands and scored 2 great tries from his many rampaging runs up the field. Ewan not to out done also scored a good try. Saints turned round 3 – 0 up. Anselmians started the second half as they finished the first and some excellent backs play instigated by Charlie M and Ben O resulted in another try for Ewan. All the boys were playing with real confidence and Thomas made numerous breaks and scored a cracker and with Liam coming into the line well another try was only a matter of time. One of these came from Ewan with the last an absolute beauty from Sean who beat most of the Chester defence to score in the corner.

Game 4: Plate QF Anselmians 1 vs Crewe & Nantwich 1

This was a very tight match against opponents who always cause us problems. This was really tense affair with Saints narrowly shading possession in the 1st half but never getting fully on top. Joe V and Joe H were outstanding in the tight and also worked hard around the park with Joe H carrying the ball on a number of occasions. From a clearance Dan retrieved the ball and ran it back with great determination. Good recycling from ensuing rucks by Sam B and Matt led to the ball being carried over by Ewan from a good feed from Charlie M. Half time 1 – 0. Crewe came out in the 2nd half and took the game to Anselmians. Charlie C limped off with a knock and was replaced by the versatile and dependable Sam JT who did a good job in the 2nd row. With Owen, Ben O and Liam doing sterling defensive duties Saints kept Crewe out for most of the half but a late try for Crewe meant that the game finished even with Anselmians going through as they had scored first.

Game 5: Plate S/F Anselmians 3 vs Altrincham Kersal B 1

Despite having earlier drawn with AK’s A side Anselmians knew this game would be no walk in the park. AK were a big side and put Saints under some early pressure in the scrum. Anselmians replied well with Joe V and Joe H getting on top in the forwards. Ieuan and Ben O were a real threat in the centre and Conor solid at full back. After some Saints pressure Will fed Ewan who crashed through a couple of AK tackles to score. Half time 1 – 0 to Anselmians. Altrincham came on strong initially in the 2nd and equalized to put the pressure back on. However, Saints came back strongly and with Matt and Sam B always recycling the ball we were always going to score again. The 2nd try came from Charlie C who was having a great afternoon. The match was rounded off with a super try from Joe V who scored in the corner following a bullocking run down the wing.

Game 6: Plate Final Anselmians 1 vs Stockport 2

Against a big, strong and talented Stockport team Anselmians were always up against it. Stockport started the game the brighter but Saints battled well with the forwards scrapping throughout. Stockport scored first with a good try which came from deep. Anselmians responded with real heart and Ewan again managed to cross the whitewash. Half time 1 – 1 and all to play for. Again it was nip and tuck with no real chances to either side. Stockport forced a scrum only 5m from saints line and a well worked training ground move saw them crash over in the corner. Anselmians pressed for an equalizer but to no avail and Stockport won the plate.

A great performance for the entire day from all the boys who deserved the success they achieved.

Finally a few thanks firstly to Conal for refereeing, Ian for help in organising the teams on the day and coaching all year, to the parents for their support on the day, Nick Oulton for setting up ‘base camp’ and feeding all and sundry but most of all to the boys you played with real spirit and effort all day. They supported each other unstintingly and always found time to encourage each other. They were a real credit to the club.