Bonus point could prove vital for Blues
IN what sounded a scrappy game down at Welford Road on Saturday it was the home side who took the spoils.
At least Macclesfield returned with a bonus point which may be important as we approach the final weeks of league competition in National Two North but clearly there is much to do before that final game at the end of April when South Leicester visit us as we seek survival at this level of league rugby.
Let’s have plenty of support at Priory Park on the touchline when the famous Preston Grasshoppers come visiting – kick off 3pm.
By coincidence the Seconds were up at Lightfoot Green last Saturday when they took the spoils against Hoppers 2nd XV in what sounds a good game to watch – score line there was Hoppers 19 Macclesfield 26.
The Seconds are now playing in the Cotton Traders Conference A where the top six from the early part of the season now play each other to decide top club before the season closes in April. So far they have played two, won two.
Elsewhere around the club on Saturday the 3rd XV lost out to Stockport 29-12 while the 4th XV continued winning ways beating Northwich Thirds by 32-13 but back to National Two North where at the weekend Hull Ionians top the table with a high scoring home victory over Fylde and Cheshire rivals Chester played out a dramatic 26 all draw down in Stourbridge to remain in contention whilst third place Huddersfield won a close encounter at Hinckley. Another high scoring game saw Tynedale defeat visiting Otley 25-22 and again at Sheffield where Tigers just lost out to this weekend’s visitors Preston by 27-24. Peterborough remain just below us in bottom spot after home defeat by Sedgley Park by 33-19 and with just eight games left before the season closes it requires great effort by all involved on the pitch and on the touchline to help the lads to survival at this level of rugby.
No Six Nations last Saturday but it is back to the Mill this weekend with a little matter for England of a trip over the border to Cardiff where I hope they can live up to expectation against a side always ready for the visit of the English! Should be a belter.
I pen these notes late afternoon Sunday in expectation of watching the World Club Challenge on the box when Wigan entertain Sydney Roosters in the game that I played as a youngster and which led to my great interest in rugby football of both codes.
A far cry these days from a 16 year old playing for Rylands Juniors but what with the roar of the crowd from the old Wilderspool Stadium tempting me to watch the great Wire side of the fifties it was a formative part of my growing up!
Back to Macclesfield and we all at Priory Park hope for an upturn in fortunes as we approach the business end of the season with ‘Hoppers visit on Saturday but before that I have some news for those of you who are 200 Club members as the latest draw was made at the club this week for January & February with results as follows:
January – 1st Paul Keep, 2nd Mike Droy and 3rd John Parker with the February draw coming out as follows – 1st Dave Owens, 2nd Mike Droy (again!!) and 3rd Pete Warrington.
The 200 Club is a little short on numbers to make it the full 200 so if interested in assisting your club in this small fundraiser please contact Albert Simpson at the club. Every little helps. Games for Saturday: 1st v. Preston Grasshoppers – Home – 3.pm. 2nd v. Caldy – Home 3rd v. Wirral 2 – Away 4th v. Free Week THAT’S it for now – enjoy your Rugby – I do!