Macc coach scrap-happy after Tynedale trip

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The Blues welcomed back Marshall Gadd to their starting line-up. The man on loan from Rotherham was part of a Blues pack that dominated the scrum for 80 minutes on Saturday.

“Marsh is a great player, it’s not just what he does on the field but off it,” added Heagerty. “We have had to jiggle around today because of injuries throughout the match; we had props in the second and back row,but the pack as an eight at all times today were very good.”

Macclesfield face the table-toppers, bigspending Ealing this Saturday, which is sure to be a stern test, but with a bit of momentum, Heagerty feels his side shouldn’t be written off, insisting: “It will be very tough, but they have been in some very tight affairs and Cinderford showed the blueprint for beating them. We must focus on our performance and processes, especially in defence and get our shape right, we must realise we have a real opportunity.”

Tom Morton, the young fly-half on loan from Sale Sharks, has been called up to the England Under-20 squad for their Six Nations campaign. Having played under Heagerty before the coach isn’t surprised by his eye-catching form.

“He’s always been a special talent,” he said. “I think from our point of view he’s come in and done a really good job.

“A selector was at the Esher match and he had a fantastic game that day.

“It’s difficult because you always want to keep hold of your best players and Tom is certainly one of our better players.

“You don’t want to lose him but to go and be involved in the Under-20s Six Nations is fantastic.”