Both All Blacks and Blackburn beaten!
AFTER Saturday’s amazing result from Yokohama, when England overpowered the All Blacks to get through to the final of the World Cup, other events seemed slightly lower key.
All rugby people feel that New Zealand have always been the side to be measured against, so for England to win with such conviction will be an inspiration for many.
Sympathies to all of our Welsh friends, their side just being piped in the other semi-final, with South Africa now meeting England next Saturday morning – come and join us at Priory Park.
The first team travelled to Blackburn winning 20-23, despite losing the try count by 4-2. We still sit third in the league: Billingham on 38 points, Blaydon on 32, Macclesfield on 31, and Harrogate on 28 points (but with two games in hand).
But all these sides have still to visit Priory Park where we’ve established a fortress, playing very attractive rugby. Head coach Andy Appleyard thinks we’re in a good place; and he is obviously enthusiastic to maintain the winning momentum.
Next week will be a blank Saturday for the 1st team, but we can see them at home on November 9th against Alnwick – why not join us for lunch beforehand.
With the monsoon rains at the weekend all the pitches were unplayable at Priory Park. A great shame for everyone who came down in the morning – but at least we got to watch England demolish the All Blacks.
PRESIDENT PETER HARPER
LAST week Clubman featured the playing career of our President but there is far more to his contribution to MRUFC.
He became Chairman in 2011, and has enjoyed much success in that role.
He lists his achievements as ensuring the Club became solvent, and this is a position he’s eventually managed to steer us into; his leadership has enabled us to thrive as a community rugby facility and not just a one-team club. As a result we muster four successful senior teams, a ladies section and our minis, juniors and colts are the envy of many neighbouring clubs. For most of his tenure in the Chair Peter worked extremely hard to attempt to secure planning permission to redevelop part of our land here at Priory Park, only to see Cheshire East Planning Committee reject our application thus denying us the opportunity to develop Priory Park for years to come.
Peter was disappointed with the rejection, but immediately set about putting plans together to improve our Club’s facilities. He’s overseen the conversion of the Spiral Lounge, the lift installation, which will happen next month, and the upgrade of the changing accommodation.
Now that he’s stepped aside, and accepted the role of Club President, he’s able to devote time to one of our main sponsors: Claphams Landscapes, a large grounds company.
As Club President, along with his wife Debbie, he still follows the first XV to all the home and away matches. independent maintenance
THE SPIRAL LOUNGE
WE are very proud of the recent development of this new bar and lounge.
Previously known as The President’s Lounge, the room was used for the occasional special events, and very much underutilised. Last season a group under the guidance of our general manager, Andy Appleyard, James Jennings, Jim Curtis and Lewis Smith and other helpers; utilised their special skills – to make things happen!
For instance Sam Moss, first team hooker, provided all the joinery work to install the new bar;
John Teal demolished structural brickwork and fitted steel beams to open up the new room. Plastering, decoration and flooring work was completed by Sunday working parties; all this accomplished to a budget of £1,200.
In the first weekend of opening, bar takings exceeded £6,000 so we more than covered our costs.
After providing all the fantastic rugby graphics that decorate the walls of the lounge and also generously printing our match day programmes, its only right that Macclesfield based Spiral Print get to name the lounge.
Peter’s final act in the chair was to appoint Amanda Keogh as Bar Steward; she’s doing a fantastic job, known to everyone, and always has a happy smile whilst pulling pints. Note to members and guests. Don’t forget the Clubhouse will be open from 8.00am next Saturday. Wide screen television, full English breakfast to watch England v South Africa in the World Cup Final - can you afford not to be there, the atmosphere will be fantastic.
PLAYER PROFILE PHILIP LAING
WE point the spotlight this week on Kings School alumni, Philip Laing (Laingy).
He commenced his rugby career there aged 10, joining MRUFC in 2001, where he’s played every season since, and been a regular in the firstteam squad for the last two years.
After Kings he gained a degree from Sheffield Hallam; whilst studying there he played for Scottish students, before going off to Europe, working as a barman in Greece and the French Alps. Between trips he always came back and played a handful of matches at the Club.
It’s marvellous seeing all these players in our side now, who are indigenous boys to Macclesfield, coming up through the teams into our top-level of senior rugby and representing the town.
Laingy lives here in Macclesfield, and was part of the very successful 2nd XV who won the league and cup double two years on-the-trot under the guiding influence of player manager Iain Taylor.
Laingy says that back then Rick Jones and Chris Herirs taught him most of what he knows now. His strength is he punches well above his weight and has the guile and speed to play in the backline as well as the back-row, a tremendous asset for the team this season in the North Premier, with only three substitutes allowed.
Laingy feels Andy Appleyard has made an enormous contribution to the transition of our rugby club: “Apps has recruited brilliantly, introducing three of last year’s colts; as well as using his own thorough methodology of coaching.”
All this in turn generates a wonderful squad and a successful atmosphere at Priory Park.
In January Laingy is back on his travels and will miss three matches as he’s off skiing; don’t go twisting a knee on the slopes Phil – it’s more dangerous than rugby!