Macc unable to score despite possession
MACCLESFIELD opened their National 1 campaign with a narrow defeat to Esher, going down 21-19 to the London side.
The Blues showed no signs of their underdog status as they initially took the game to Esher.
Maintaining early pressure, the Blues were unable to convert position into points.
As the half wore on, Esher started to make the Blues pay for their impatience. They won a penalty on Macc’s 22m line and fly-half Paul Roberts slotted the three points.
The hosts then extended their lead on 16 minutes. After winning possession on their own 22, Isaac Curtis-Harris broke the line and carried up to Macc’s 10m line before off-loading to scrum half Calum Waters to put down under the posts.
Esher made it two tries in two minutes after slick hands left Blindside-Flanker Charlie Gossington to touch down in the corner, making it 15-0 to the hosts. The Blues responded well and were soon back in the game after winger Rhodri Mayor went over.
This made the score 15-5 after full back Matthew Bradley failed to score the conversion.
Macclesfield then added a second try on the half hour mark.
After a driving maul, hooker Sam Moss was the benefactor, Bradley then added the conversion to make it 15-12.
The hosts added another penalty to make the score 18-12 in the second half.
Macclesfield then found their groove and started to pressure the hosts, and their hard work paid off as winger Matthew King crossed the line under the posts.
Bradley slotted the extras, putting the Blues into the lead for the first time in the match.
The game was on a knife edge going into the final five minutes.
The hosts re-took the lead with four minutes to go after a penalty was awarded for indiscipline at the breakdown and Roberts added the three points.
Despite their best efforts the Blues couldn’t add a final score to win the match.
Although they lost on paper the Blues still managed to pick up a losing bonus point opening their account for the season. ●● NEXT up Macclesfield welcome local rivals Fylde. This fixture has been designated as family fun day, so be sure to come along and bring the kids.