A day to live long in Priory Park memory
SATURDAY 1st February proved to be one of Macclesfield’s most successful days at Priory Park. It started with the first ever ‘President’s Lunch’; President Peter Harper welcomed 150 guests for lunch, including numerous past Presidents as well as sponsors and Manchester City and England legend Joe Corrigan.
Highlight of the lunch was Lions’ and dual international rugby legend John Bentley. Bentos, as he is known, entertained the guests with his tales from: ‘Living with the Lions’, the Irish and British Lions successful tour of South Africa in 1997. The guests showed their appreciation by giving generously during the fundraising activities. What was to follow lived up to its billing.
A very large crowd turned up at Priory Park to support Macclesfield in their challenge for the championship of the North Premier league.
With the gale behind them the ‘Macclesfield Faithful’ did not have long to wait for their “WhaaHoo” chorus as Macc took an early lead; if it were not for a few fumbles Macclesfield could have been three tries up in the first 10 minutes.
The importance of this contest was evident in the ferocity that the game was played in; no quarter was given at any stage. Whilst Macclesfield didn’t have it all their own way, they were too strong for the league leaders, in every part of the game.
It was a confident and complete performance running out comfortable winners 35 – 14. As Blaydon kicked off early in their win at Billingham, the team were greeted with the news that they now topped the table as the final whistle blew. With John Bentley back on the microphone to award MOTM to Josh Redfern, the Clubhouse rocked until late into the evening.
Next week the 1sts travel to Carlise, the 2nd team are back in action at home against Birkenhead Park, the third team take on Glossop away and the 4ths are also away to Ashton under Lyne.
After a month in the Antipodes, Clubman brings some news about different laws of rugby on trial in Australia. The influence of rugby league there is very strong than in Europe, there the game enjoys as much more popularity than rugby union, and Rugby Australia has lifted a straight-steal from the 13 man code.
Administrators the world over are concerned that in our game the ball is in play for only 35 minutes out of the full 80, whereas league enjoys 65 minutes.
The trialled law was to award a drop-out on the goal line, rather than a five metre scrum when an attacking player is held up over the try line.
The claim being that it not only rewards good defending but also punishes poor attack.
Teams that relied on pick up and go drives were most likely to be held up over the try line. The object is to encourage teams to move the ball more, to create a one-on-one situation where a hold-up is less likely, thus providing more fluidity and passing rugby for the players and spectators alike to enjoy.
The other benefit is putting the ball back in play quicker; a drop-out takes only 35 seconds after the try saving tackle whereas setting a scrum uses up three minutes.
Rugby Australia’s DOR Scott Johnson will take his evidence to persuade World Rugby to adopt this law as a normal basis at a law review session in London later this month.
Next we’ve heard that Lancashire lad Bill Beaumont is running for another four years as Chair of World Rugby.
He’s airing a view that substitutes should only be used when the retiring player is actually injured.
His contention is that big heavy forwards are only playing for 50 minutes; these huge men make massive hits when tackling or are so strong and powerful as ball carriers that more injuries and concussions accrue.
Billy’s view has a lot of creditability, but how can officials police whether a player has torn a hamstring or is merely feigning?
We all remember the infamous Harlequins Blood-gate saga from 10 years ago. This may work at international level but it’s unlikely to go down well at club level with subs not getting a run-out!