Fourths pull clear of Burnage in mud bath

BURNAGE 3RD XV ........ 14 MACC 4TH XV ............... 41

MACCLESFIELD’S fourth team travelled to the Mersey flood plain and outplayed Burnage on a very heavy pitch with a comprehensive second half performance.

After hitting their straps quickly with two converted tries and going 14-0.

Vice captain Jeremy Bostock, a ruggedly tough player, unfortunately clashed heads and had to leave the pitch with blood steaming profusely from a deep cut on the bridge of his nose.

He went immediately to A&E where they inserted six stitches.

As if they were playing for their injured colleague, everyone lifted their game and completely outplayed a ‘game’ home side, who were reduced to 14 men when their winger abused the match official; the referee quite rightly produced a red card.

This sort of behaviour ought not to be part of the spirit of rugby.

Ben Heginbotham returning from a fractured wrist, scored an excellent individual try; great to see him back in Macc colours. Matt Price playing in the same side as his son Craig, scored the third try, with James Parsons adding another.

Scott Goodfellow suffered a bad head bang, but after taking a Paracetamol returned to the frame making a huge impression, scoring twice; scrum half Paul Smith rounded-off the afternoon with the last try.

The remaining points were added by Captain Ryan Brown converting four times.

We have been fortunate in having a settled front row this season, however in Jason Walker’s absence this week, Bostock moved to tight head prop.

After his withdrawal, Jordan Wilson was drafted in very effectively, but the injuries continued, with 10 minutes remaining

Rufus Dixon pulled a hamstring - hopefully he’ll heal in time for next week’s cup game.

Big Jack Nicholson had an excellent return to his former club, being partnered in the second row by Craig Price.

With all the injuries and changes, the back row had quite an unfamiliar look with Price junior and Russ Tomlinson joining the fray; backs Daz Lamon and Simon Street had good games.

Lewis Smith, nursing two broken ribs, courageously came off the bench to replace Bostock; and from his movement around the pitch, he disguised his problem well.

The post match huddle was led by Captain Brown along with Nick and Paul Smith, they all showed their delight at the win.

Everyone was enthusiastic to carry-on with a repeat of this victory in the Cup match next week away at Bowdon.