In the other games involving Macclesfield sides, the Thirds went down 21-16 at home to Preston Grasshoppers Thirds whilst the Fourths lost 38-0 to Marple 3.

As I write, I am looking forward to the Ireland-France encounter after yesterday's victories by England, who easily overcame Italy with a couple more Chris Ashton ‘high dives’ and a disappointing Scotland were beaten at Murrayfield by Wales 24-6.  However the news from Cardiff in the ‘other game’ was not good tidings for this Wire fan with some serious injuries to boot starting off Super League Sixteen!!

There is a pre match dinner before Saturday’s encounter with Wharfedale so if you have not got your seats yet then speak to Bill or Bev on reading this to see if any are left.

Match Sponsors for the Wharfedale game are Cotton Traders and it will be a pleasure to have at Priory Park three former International Rugby Players in Fran Cotton, Steve Smith and John Spencer who will be having a separate function in the Presidents Suite with one or two other former players in what should be a wonderful start to the afternoon.  The more that Macclesfield Rugby Club can have events such as this the better as far as this scribe is concerned.  Sponsorship, at any level, is vital for progressive clubs and when you see that in the last few days London Scottish, already fully professional, has signed a six figure sponsorship deal with Aurum Holdings in whose portfolio are Watches of Switzerland.  Six figure sponsorship on top of some already high paying deals can, perhaps, only be dreamed about here many miles from the Capital but there are those working hard behind the scenes to keep MRUFC afloat and any assistance, however small, is always appreciated.  What, I wonder, could this club achieve with such a deal when we have operated on pretty much a shoe string since gaining deserved promotion last year.  It is credit to the Squad and its Coaching team who must take the bouquets’ for the season so far and long may it continue.  If you have a few quid to spare for the good of Macclesfield Rugby you will be welcomed with open arms at Priory Park.  Come along and introduce yourself.

Interesting to read today that Sale, who have not set the Premiership alight this last couple pf seasons, have recruited, alongside the recently appointed Director of Rugby Steve Diamond, who played for Macclesfield not that long ago for a spell, one ex England boss Brian Ashton who has recently been assisting at Fylde, a club who look good for joining the Blues in National One next season.  One wonders where any promising young players on the fringe at Edgley Park will be playing next season to gain National League experience...

Games for Saturday:

1^st v. Wharfedale – League – Home - 3.pm.

2^nd v. Preston Grasshoppers – Conference A – Home

3^rd v. Penrith 2 – League – Home

4^th v. Knutsford 2 – League – Away

Vets v. Chester – League – Away

Enjoy your Rugby – I do despite the events at Cardiff on Saturday.