Sitting pretty after superb resurgence

AFTER a blistering start that saw The Blues score 21 unanswered points in the first twenty five minutes to put Otley to the sword the visitors fought back.

In the end, although Macclesfield took the five points on offer, it was not as comfortable as it might have been.

With three – possibly four – games left before the campaign closes it leaves the side sitting much more comfortably in National Two North than they were at the turn of the year.

At the same time, results elsewhere in the table saw bottom club – Luctonians – who the Blues visit this weekend go down 28-12 at Tynedale.

Their situation looks dire as they are now fourteen points behind Blaydon just above the bottom three.

Blaydon themselves having a good day out winning 34-26 at Sheffield Tigers while Wharfedale – who the Blues visit on the final Saturday of April lost out at South Leicester by 27-16 to remain in the bottom three along with Sheffield who gave themselves some hope with a fine 21-17 victory at Leicester Lions.

With Macclesfield safely in mid-table, the promotion race continues with Sale FC recording a 30-28 victory over Chester at Heywood Road in what sounds like a humdinger of a game to maintain top spot above Sedgley Park who had a slightly easier afternoon, beating visiting Huddersfield by 43-10 over in Whitefield.

Meanwhile, in a ‘Midlands Derby’ Hinckley beat Stourbridge by 26-0.

Both those sides were early candidates for those promotion spots but Sale and Sedge now have daylight from them in the table as they look to National One next season.

Still some interesting rugby to be played before the ‘fat lady’ sings.

Around the Macclesfield sides at the weekend there was a close fought game up at the Woodlands where Fylde were beaten by the Lions 17-15 in another close fought encounter to leave the Lions currently lying third in the Premier League but having played more games than Sedge and Preston Grasshoppers immediately behind them as the Lions closed their campaign.

Over at Headlands Road the 3rd XV took on and beat Stockport 2nd team by 50-19 in a high scoring encounter whilst the Fourths had no game.

Looking ahead to the final ‘Home’ game of the season for the 1st XV on Saturday 21 April when Stourbridge visit I am anticipating a good turnout of former players at the pre match lunch to chew over old times and hopefully cheer the Blues on to a final ‘Home’ victory of the season as we all take stock and look to what 2018/19 has to offer with hopefully a bit of decent weather to enjoy some cricket after the appalling Winter we have suffered.

I mentioned above that the Blues have three – possibly four – games before the campaign closes and it is that fourth game – a rearranged game against Hinckley due to be played at Priory Park on 5 May that is perhaps in doubt.

I understand that if there are no promotion/relegation issues involved that this one will probably not be played and at this time that is very much the case.

For those of you travelling to Luctonians on Saturday – kick off is 3pm. – Lucs play at Mortimer Park, Hereford Road, Kingsland, Leominster HR6 9SB and from my SK10 postcode that is 98 miles so allow a good 2¾ hours to travel.

SATURDAY’S GAMES

1st v Luctonians – Away – 3pm 2nd – NO GAME 3rd v Wirral 2 – Home 4th v Northwich 3 – Away

Enjoy your Rugby – I do.