Macc out of luck again in grudge game

NATIONAL LEAGUE 1

cost the Cheshire side numerous wins this season and this game was no exception.

Despite a man disadvantage, Ionians pulled away, after the pacey winger Smith had turned defence into attack by racing from one 22 to the other and forced a penalty out of the scrambling defence, the home side drove a line-out over for a try for Ali Thomson, to extend the lead to 19-7 after 47 minutes.

Even though Macclesfield were dominating scrum time they couldn’t capitalize and conceded the bonus point try came as the game approached the final quarter.

The unrelenting Joe Allott broke through the first line of a flagging defence, ran on for 40 yards before unselfishly passing inside to Smith to finish under the posts.

Sam Wilson made the game safe with Ionians fifth try on the hour, when he was on hand to finish off a move instigated by some increasingly fluid play from the home back line, Lewis Minikin making a nifty break that put the home side in a good attacking position making it 31-7 with 18 minutes left to play.

Matt King combined with Eaton again five minutes later, the former underneath the latter’s chip over the Ionians defence from five metres out and literally falling over the line to finish, to keep the visitors faint hopes alive.

But those hopes were snuffed out as Ionians were growing in confidence and hit back with two late tries; Smith was denied a third try when he was illegally impeded in a race to the line after a chip and chase kick with only Matt King at home for Macclesfield but Ionians were awarded a penalty try and the former professional, Eggleshaw then bagged a second, like his first, from close range.

Francis Barker scored for Macclesfield, following up on a break by fellow back-rower Nyle Davidson, on 75 minutes but this served as little more than a consolation, though no more than their effort deserved. As has been the case all season the lads gave everything but unfortunately it wasn’t enough.