Worry as gap opens in the table
IT is a somewhat sad and reflective Clubman who pens these notes after two defeats on the rugby field. Macclesfield travelled to the Lightfoot Green home of the famous Preston Grasshoppers and lost a relatively close encounter – report left – to remain at the wrong end of National Two North. They are rooted with Peterborough Lions (who lost at Fylde 47-7) in supporting the rest of the table on six points, but with a slightly inferior points difference to Macclesfield. The worry is that the sides immediately above are now moving away from us both with a seven point gap between Macc and next placed Tynedale who, of course, have a game in hand after their illness scare a couple of weeks ago. Leicester Lions also have 13 points in the table so a ‘W’ on Saturday at Wharfedale is so important! ROUNDUP of Two North table toppers – Hinckley went down 13-0 to ever improving Cheshire neighbours Chester to be replaced by Hull Ionians, who recorded a convincing 24-12 victory at South Leicester. At Huddersfield the home side came out on top in a close 24-21 victory over Tynedale. Wharfedale, who of course we visit on Saturday, lost 37-27 in another high scoring game at Stourbridge. Sedgeley Park beat Sheffield Tigers in yet another pointsfest by 36-29 and finally Leicester Lions won at Otley by 29-15. BACK at the Priory Park club, it was a ‘blank’ weekend for the Second & Third teams. Just the Fourth team played and they sadly lost out by 30-8 to Leek Seconds. Mention should perhaps be made here of the fourth team half back pairing of Andrew Forster and Ben Higginbotham, who total some 73 years between them! It’s good to see lads still on the park at that age and brings back memories of the old ‘Stags’ front row of John Robinson, John Webster and Dave Owens, who between them in their final ‘playing’ days well topped that! Enough said.... FOR Clubman, Saturday evening was spoiled by that b....y Wigan side that sent the Wire crashing in the season’s finale at Old Trafford. Ah well, they can now have a break until the next Super League campaign starts. ON a sad note, I have to report that after three years in the club office Jonathan is leaving his role and at this stage I am not certain who, if anyone, has been appointed to take his place. Thanks from this side of the counter for the work he has put in during his time at Priory Park. Always helpful no matter what the query. EARLY note for members that the Christmas Lunch will be held at Priory Park on Saturday December 15 at the clubhouse. An excellent three course menu plus a bottle of wine per eight at the table for £28 per head. It should be a full house so contact Julia Maxton at social@maccrugby. co.uk if you want a place reserved. GAMES for Saturday: 1ST v. Wharfedale – Away – 3.pm. 2ND v. Vale of Lune – Home 3RD v. Wirral 2 – Away 4TH v. Congleton 2 – Home FOR those travelling to Wharfedale, they play on Wharfeside Avenue, Threshfield, Skipton BD23 5BS. From my Tytherington base it is 76 miles, so allow a good hour and three quarters travel time. THAT’S it for now, enjoy your Rugby – I do. CLUBMAN