Away win stretches Blues lead

MACCLESFIELD were victorious away at Huddersfield after overcoming a six-point half time deficit.

A rejuvenated Blues side came out after the half time break and ensured Macc travelled home with five points, moving seven points clear at the top of National Two North.

The Blues went down to an early penalty from Huddersfield fly-half Chris Bell but Macc soon pegged their hosts back with a penalty of their own, kicked by Lewis Barker.

Huddersfield retook the lead on 15 minutes, outside centre Elliot Hodgson cut through The Blues’ defensive line to score, Bell added the conversion.

Barker kept The Blues in touch with another penalty on 20 minutes, but on the half hour mark Macc took the lead.

The Blues finally managed to put some sharp phases of play together despite the tough conditions and Rhodri Mayor finished brilliantly in the corner.

Macclesfield could not hold on to their lead however, as Huddersfield scored with five minutes remaining in the first half. Hodgson once again with a smart finish to put the strugglers 17-11 ahead at the break.

The Blues flew out the traps after half time, and showed the reason why they find themselves top of National Two North. Barker converted his own try, and The Blues took the lead.

Just three minutes later, Macclesfield added another try. The tireless Charlie Venables charged down a clearing kick and dived on the loose ball for his first try for the club.

Huddersfield added the third try in the first nine minutes of the second half, Hodgson completing his hat-trick with another fine try, pouncing on the loose ball after a fine chip in behind the Macc defence to put the hosts within a point.

Barker showed another moment of class just before the hour mark, the young Welshman showed a turn of pace to run an outside arc and slide in from five metres out.

Barker converted the score and put The Blues back in control.

Barker added another two penalties before the end of the game to take his personal tally for the day to 28, and ensure The Blues won 24-38 and remain top.

A very tough game, in what can only be described as horrendous conditions.