Macclesfield 37-21 Coventry
Macclesfield produced a fine display to continue their impressive form in National League One, beating Coventry 37-21 at Priory Park.
The Blues ran in four tries and once again secured a maximum five point victory and further cemented fourth place in the league table.
The game began with both sides looking fresh and determined and both eager to secure the victory. The away side were much improved after suffering a heavy defeat to Macc earlier in the season and were looking for much needed points after suffering two straight defeats.
The Blues made a bright start to the game and looked to impose themselves early on, though Coventry were up to the challenge and the game became a physical tactical battle. The stalemate was finally broken after 15 minutes when scrum half Charlie Mulchrone completed a fantastic solo run to carry the ball over the line. Ross Winney added the extras and Macc took a 7-0 lead.
The Blues wasted no time increasing their lead, Ed Sayce scored the second tried after 23 minutes, Winney once again converted the try and Macc looked good with a 14-0 lead. Though Coventry did not sit back and began to take the game to Macclesfield and their pressure eventually paid off with Sam Herrington scored with 36 minutes gone, Lee Audis added the conversion to bring Coventry within seven.
Just before the end of the half Macclesfield were awarded a penalty that Winney converted to make the half time score 17-7.
The second half began with Coventry the team looking more likely to score, obviously fuelled by words of inspiration during the break. Though the Blues caught them on the break and Captain Evan Stewart scored the home sides third try of the game, Winney continued a superb kicking display converting the try and taking the lead to 24-7.
Coventry responded by scoring two tries in five minutes and put Macc on the back foot, though the home team stood firm and displayed great discipline in defence to repel the Coventry attacks. Winney once again turned the game in Macc’s favour by converting a penalty on the hour mark, which was soon followed by arguably the try of the game; Josh Fowles collected the ball in midfield and broke a number of tackles in the Coventry defence to carry the ball over the line. Winney kicked the ball over from close range to add the extra points and Macc lead 34-21.
Macclesfield clinched the game when Winney converted his third penalty of the game and secured a 100% kicking record to make the final score 37-21. The Blues produced another fine team display and continue to march on in National League One.
