Rugby notes from the ‘Clubman’

A productive first ever visit to the Butts Park Arena saw the Blues romp to a convincing victory over Coventry and in doing so record their first five pointer in National One, giving the squad confidence before Blaydon visit Priory Park this weekend.

Before that game we have a pre-match dinner which I trust will be well attended as the lads seek to maintain the Coventry standard.

The crowd at Butts Park Arena of over a thousand led me to think about we can encourage more support through the gates at Priory Park (current average around 300, now we are playing at this high level of national Rugby.

When you consider that Macclesfield probably has the lowest playing budget in the league, and possibly even National two aswell, then its easy to appreciate how difficult it must be to compete at this level with some of the clubs paying out to just a few players the sum total of our full seasons budget.

The answer is quite simple – more cash.

More cash from donations, fund raising, sponsorship and supporters. Now.

I appreciate that some at Priory Park, and indeed at other clubs, may not like the fact that players are paid to play for the club, but come on, this is 2010. The ‘Shamateur Days’ of Rugby Union have gone forever along with the prospect of the squad comprising of players born and bred in the district or being product of our excellent mini and junior section, unfortunately.

To survive we must do the best with what we have to spend. Simple as.

Anyway, rant over, now back to National One and the result lifting the Blues to mid-table.

Results generally went where expected over the weekend, with the excetion of unbeaten Barking drawing with Redruth 20-20.

The surprise of the afternoon was however the 33-31 victory for Stourbridge at Blackheath, whilst this weekend’s opposition, Blaydon, went down 35-30 at Crow Trees in Cambridge.

Around Priory Park the Lions entertained Liverpool St Helens winning 27-17, the Thirds beat Fylde 60-25 at home and the Fourths went down 20-5 away at Whitchurch against their Third XV.

The Vets also entertained Winnington Park in a thrilling local derby.

Fixtures this weekend:

1st vs Blaydon: League: Home 3pm

2nd vs Fylde: League: Away

3rd vs Rochdale 2: League: Away

4th vs Lymm 3: League: Home

Vets vs Wrexham: League: Away

Sunday: Senior Colts vs Sandbach Senior Colts: League: Home 2pm

Enjoy your Rugby - I do!

Clubman