Rugby Notes from ‘Clubman’
On a pitch affected by overnight rain once again the Blues turned in a near faultless display to see off the challenge of Wharfedale and in doing so they reversed the result of the game played earlier in the season at Threshfield. The Blues, scoring another seven tries and in the process hit the fifty mark for the first time this season to maintain their fourth spot in National One behind leaders Barking who made heavy weather of beating Otley (to where we travel on Saturday) 13-3 on a muddy park.
London Scottish, clearly firing on all four at the moment, gained ground on the leaders with a 41-5 victory at Sedgley Park and go level on points with Barking but have played a game more. Cambridge, in third, saw off the challenge of Launceston but only by 24-15 again on a heavy Cambridge ground. Fifth placed Rosslyn Park lost at Stourbridge by 27-22 and with just a bonus point they slip 12 points behind the Blues having played a game more.
Other results saw Tynedale beat Redruth 31-26 at Corbridge, Cinderford beat Blackheath 18-17 to help their survival plans and Coventry beat Blaydon 23-10.
Clearly the top three and the bottom six or seven are fighting for promotion/relegation and I believe that there are many more interesting games before this, our first season in National One, reaches its conclusion (well into the Cricket season).
Around the club there was a good victory for the Lions at home to Preston Grasshoppers in Conference A by 24-19, this after overcoming a 19-0 half time deficit to make it two out of two in this play off league. The Thirds lost out to Penrith 2 by 19-7 and the Fourths game at Knutsford was postponed. The Vets had a good outing against old rivals Chester winning easily in the end 44-5.
Around the club there was a great atmosphere with firstly a well attended pre match dinner in the main clubroom and Fran Cotton with Cotton Traders and a host of former players in the Presidents Lounge all added to the feeling before, during and after the game. It is days such as this when one realizes just what a good product we have at Priory Park today and I hope that many more who, perhaps, have not savored such days will make the trip down to get the feel of Macclesfield Rugby.
Our thanks once again to Ray and his hard working team who made it so good. And I like the new IPA!!
The next pre match dinner will be on Saturday 12 March when Blackheath are first time visitors to Macclesfield. Chicken & Leek Soup, Braised Beef & Guinness Pie with Puff Pastry Top plus Veg and then Cheese & Biscuits all for £22.50 including match admission. Only a few seats left so get your booking in now.
The February 200 Club draw was made before Saturday’s game and it saw £100 go to David Belfield, £60 to M Garrity and £30 to Dave Allen.
Games for Saturday:
1st v. Otley – League – Away – 2.15.pm.
2nd v. Stockport – League – Away
3rd v. Blackburn 2 – League – Away
4th v. Trafford MV 3 – League – Away
Vets v. TBA
Enjoy your Rugby – I do and the Wolves just about did it in a great game Sunday!!
