Transforming clubhouse gets new lift
SATURDAY at Priory Park was something of a first half triumph in the Club’s transformation of its facilities.
The significant moment was the much awaited opening of the new disability lift. After 18 months of work by volunteers, much fundraising and donations, the installation of a lift completed the first phase of the Club’s transformation.
The lift would not have been completed without a generous donation from the family of the late Macclesfield stalwart, Jim Hamer.
Jim’s extended family came to the Club on Saturday to officially cut the ribbon and enjoy lunch and the rugby. The Club’s Chaplin, The Right Reverend William Pwaisiho, OBE (Bishop Willy), Dedicated the lift before Maccclesfield’s Member of Parliament, and good friend of the Club, David Rutley said some encouraging words about the energy within the Club and its important position in the community, particularly how it has been transformed, and is now an asset in the community for holding local events.
After lunch Chairman, Stephen Branch, thanked everyone for their involvement in the transformation so far, and gave a brief resume of the next phase of refurbishments and developments at Priory Park; urging all to continue their efforts in any way that they could.
On the Park, Macclesfield’s opponents took an early lead, crashing through midfield, indeed Ilkley could have taken a substantial lead, but for some woeful kicking in front of the posts.
After a catch and drive, Maccclesfield were soon to hit back with Sam Moss’s first try.
Billy Robinson, celebrating his birthday, was having a field-day against his, Oxford Blue, opposing prop, and from a driving scrum Matt Thorp scored to make it 12-7 at half time.
Macclesfield were a different side in the second half scoring a further four tries from Moss, Stelmaszek and Lomax; Sam Moss ending up with a hat-trick and another MOTM Award.
Next week Macclesfield travel to Kirkby Lonsdale before a week’s break, then a must-win game against Harrogate on 1st of February.
Elsewhere the 2nd XV had a narrow loss against Lymm 24-28; the third team, struggling for numbers, went down 68-15 to Sedgley Park and the 4th XV won again 33-24 against Hope Valley.
Next week the 1st XV travel to Kirkby Lonsdale who sit 8th in the table, the 2nd XV has a two week break and the thirds are away again at Fylde.
As the 4th XV travel to Marple there will be no home games next Saturday – so why not visit the beautiful market town of Kirkby Lonsdale and take-in the 1st XV contest?