Blues facing survival ‘cup finals’

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Fylde sums up our season so far. We’ve played some good rugby in parts but defensively let ourselves down, we’ve got a lot of work to do. I’m confident in my players to respond in the right way, we just need them to be more consistent. There are thing we can do as staff to manage that but ultimately on matchday its down to them, i believe the players are more than capable of doing it.”

On a more positive note, Heagerty has been extremely pleased with his squad throughout the season, and has been impressed with how the new faces to the group have bedded in. The Blues added a number of players in the summer; Olly Parkinson, Liam Parfitt, Josh Redfern, Matt Jackson and Nyle Davidson were all bought in to bolster the pack, whilst Nick Allsop, Ollie Fewtrell, Matt Van Sertima and Lewis Winterbottom were added to the backs.

The season hasn’t been without injury disappointments though, two key men from last season’s campaign have both been without a chance to shine in National 1. Fly-half Lewis Barker and second-row Harrison Lewis both starred in most of Macclesfield’s matches last season and whilst Lewis has been ruled out for the majority of the season – Barker is expecting a return to action soon.

“It’s been good to have Lewis back around the training ground,” said Heagerty. “We’re just looking forward to having him back on the field. He does exciting things on the pitch and brings a bit of x-factor to our play. Getting someone like that back at a crucial time of the season is going to be excellent.

“The new lads have settled in well. It’s good to have had Nyle [Davidson] back in the mix after some time off through injury and having a child. I’m pleased with everyone; we’ve made some excellent signings - the back row particularly is ultra-competitive. We have a relative full bill of health and that’s always good.”