Rugby Notes from ‘Clubman’

The magnificent Lockwood Park setting was the scene of Macclesfield’s sixth successive league victory as they remain joint top of North Two alongside a Caldy side who put their off field issues behind them to demolish Preston Grasshoppers at Lightfoot Green to earn the bonus point which brings them level with the Blues.

Before the game Huddersfield – in their Centenary season – held a pre match dinner for players of the players of the 1940’s and 1950’s and it was an absolute pleasure to be a guest of the club and to hear former player Trevor Burgin OBE reminisce afterwards before the rugby took place.  Thanks Huddersfield for superb hospitality – hope we can reciprocate next February.

The game itself was reward for the Blues endeavours as they ended Huddersfield’s unbeaten home record but it was marred in the second half by a rash of penalties conceded by the Blues  - 12 in total – which hampered their style and this – plus four second half yellow cards (two to each side) was frustrating for all.concerned. I make no further comment.

Around Two North as well as Caldy there were wins for third placed Loughborough Students who beat Hull by 28-11 and Broadstreet moved into fourth place with a 38-31 victory over Westoe. Rugby Lions won at Waterloo, Leicester Lions trounced Fylde and Kendal returned to winning ways at home to Harrogate by a single point and Bradford/Bingley who we entertain on Saturday – see ‘Preview’ – went to bottom spot after losing at home to the improving Hull Ionians.

Back to Priory Park and it was business as usual for the Lions who beat Liverpool St Helens 53-7 at Priory Park.  Success also for the Thirds who beat Leigh 31-14.  Fourths had no league game and I am not aware of the Vets result as I write.

I made brief mention last week of the thwarted efforts of some to get a more meaningful Second XV competition organised and last Saturday perhaps shows just how far apart some of the sides in the Bateman BMW Premier League are with Caldy 2 beating Waterloo 2 by 109-0.  Preston Grasshoppers beating Manchester by 107-0, Fylde 2 beating Kendal 2 by 83-0 and Sedgley Park Seconds beating Stockport Seconds 52-7.
Case proved I think but try telling that to the clubs who are not interested in change!!

Incidentally our Seconds travel to Sedgley Park this weekend a pivotal game at the top of that table with both sides unbeaten so far and this encounter is much anticipated.

It was good to see a few extra faces supporting over at Lockwood Park on Saturday but really we need more both home and away to give this good squad the lift it needs from the sidelines.  Anyone out there who is interested let’s see you at Priory Park come 3.pm. Saturday. Just £8 is not much to ask for the entertainment & commitment on view.  We have a quality side now at Priory Park – lend them your voice.

For your diaries please note that the next Pre Match Dinner takes place on Saturday 7 November when Fylde are visiting.  Tomato & Basil Soup followed by Cheshire Roast Pork with trimmings, Cheese & Biscuits + Coffee.  All this plus match programme and admission to the game for £20.  Come on lets fill the clubhouse up this time.

Games for this weekend:

1st v. Bradford & Bingley – League – Home – 3.pm.
2nd v. Sedgley Park – League – Away
3rd v. Blackburn – League – Home
4th v. Buxton – League – Away
Vets v. Stoke – Away

Junior Colts – Sunday at12.30.pm. v. Blackburn – Away – League

Preview

Saturday 24 October 2009 – Kick Off 3.pm.

Macclesfield v. Bradford & Bingley

The Bees come to Priory Park after last weekends defeat at home to Hull Ionians left them bottom of the pile with just one victory, one draw and five defeats to date and it is important that the Blues feel no sympathy for them until 4.45.pm. Saturday evening as they seek to maintain their challenge at the top of Two North.

The Bees won here at Priory Park earlier this year by 39-20 after we had won at Wagon Lane at the beginning of the campaign by 26-13 and they finished last season in 12th position with 9 victories, 1 draw and 16 defeats with Steve Brimacombe top scoring with  146 and Mark Kirby top try scorer with 10 to his name but this season they have struggled so far losing at Fylde 39-25, Caldy 45-7, Huddersfield by 60-0, Broadstreet by 37-26, a draw 37-37 with Waterloo and a very good victory over Leicester Lions by 30-22 the sum total so far after losing last week to Ionians by 28-13.

Macclesfield hope to have Alan Marsh fit again for this one with Matt O’Regan,  Jon Lowdon & Rob McDermott looking to get on the park again soon with longer term knocks to Billy Robinson, Fergus Mulchrone, Pete Hardwick still to be cured.

Clubman