Clubman’s back for the new season

CLUBMAN COLUMN GEOFF ALLEN

AFTER a break of several seasons I am pleased to be able to get this column up and running once more in the hope that it can inform all those who have rugby football as an interest as to just what is happening at Priory Park which is, of course, the home of Macclesfield Rugby Club.

Whilst appreciating that a regular feed of 1st XV reports have been published over the period, I am acutely aware that the successful lower sides – who also play a big part in the local rugby scene – have received little or no local publicity and I am hopeful this will now change over the coming weeks and months as we approach a new campaign for all sides.

Well, as one season is about to start another is coming to its close and I talk – as many will be aware – of that ‘other’ rugby form with just thirteen players a side on which I was brought up and indeed played in my home town as a teenager (sadly some time ago now!!) but which I still follow with great interest.

In those early days, players in Union turned ‘pro’ by taking the Queens Shilling but it seems that in these times, players are going in the opposite direction for even more financial rewards. How times have changed.

Anyway, back to Priory Park and as I write the pre-season games for the senior sides are well under way with weekend and mid-week games for the senior squads of players as we look forward to another season in National Two North which begins on Saturday 2 September when Wharfedale visit Priory Park from the Dales of Yorkshire – kick off 3pm as all 1st XV home games will be once more.

Last Saturday the Senior Squad entertained Derby in an open game of running rugby and the visitors were well in the game at the break but the second half was all Blues as the home sides experience eventually told but good tries were scored by both teams as they look forward to their respective leagues.

As you read this, last night Wilmslow provided opposition for the Lions.

Over the last few seasons the 1st XV have fluctuated between National One and National Two North in the league system and despite relegation last season they played some highly attractive rugby which was appreciated by all who witnessed the games and hopefully this will continue when the campaign begins in earnest on 2 September.

Looking to the start of the season, it is good to see all the Macclesfield Senior sides playing in ‘League’ Rugby with the Lions, 3rd & 4th teams competing in the now named ‘Halbro North West Leagues’ with the Lions opening up on 2 September in the Premier Division against Sedgley Park over in Whitefield as they seek to maintain their high standards.

Meanwhile, the 3rd XV will play in the Championship where in their first game they entertain Vale of Lune 2nds at Priory Park and the 4th XV play in Division 4 South opening up at Whitchurch against the home side’s 3rd team.

Such has been the success of our lower sides that certainly the 3rd & 4th teams are now punching above their weight and playing against many 2nd and 3rd teams in their respective leagues and it will be interesting to watch their progress as the season pans out.

The big kick off is on 2 September for the Blues when they take on Wharfedale but more on that game next week.

GAME FOR SATURDAY AT PRIORY PARK:

3pm. 1st XV v Caldy, Cheshire Cup