This Saturday, we host De La Salle from Salford for our second meeting with the side who were relegated, with Anselmians and Manchester, from North West One in 2019.

“Della” had similar problems to us in adjusting to the pace and intensity of the higher level six, but both sides seem to be comfortable with the demands of North Two West. Despite heavy defeats at the hands of Aspatria, Manchester and Leigh, they are currently 9th, having won seven and lost eight of their fifteen games.

Nevertheless, they should not be underestimated. They beat high flying Glossop and, of course, they beat Saints 16-13 in a close match at Lancaster Road earlier this season. Last Saturday, they took their revenge by edging out visiting Aspatria by a single point.

Last season, honours were even. Saints won away 13-19 to register our first win (of three), but lost at Rivacre Road 17-24, as Della registered their second, and final, win in the higher division.

The Saints, courtesy of our victory against Aspull, are currently just four positions above our visitors but, given the difficulties evident in our last home game, nothing can be taken for granted. In Saints favour, they have only lost one game since October and have won their last five matches.

The only three contests between Anselmians and De La Salle have been won by six, seven and three points respectively, and there is no reason that this game will be any different. Saints must take every opportunity and eliminate the errors evident against Aspull and Bolton if they are determined to maintain their enviable unbeaten home record.