Game is feeling
ALTHOUGH there was some rugby from the second tier down played on Saturday around the country, there are concerns now are that some leagues will not be completed.
This cascades down from the Six Nations to the Premiership and beyond, with promotions and relegations in the balance.
Macclesfield now have two league games to fit in presuming we do get to finish the campaign at some point.
Wirral pulled out of the Priory Park fixture on Friday, after seeking advice from the RFU. One of their squad had been advised to self-isolate, in addition the wife of a member had also tested positive for coronavirus, so no doubt the right decision was made.
Plans are now in hand to replay this match on the evening of Thursday 9th or Friday 10th April; with the rearranged match against Blackburn currently scheduled for the 25th April.
It has been a strange season so far for Andy Appleyard, Rick Jones and the squad, with blank weeks, postponements and injuries, consistency and momentum has been difficult to maintain.
All events are now rife with uncertainty; it’s likely that things could get worse before they get better.
The main event at Priory Park was played out on Sunday with the Cheshire Under 17 Cup Semi Final, with the home side – representing Maccles and Knutsford – losing 5-0 against Stockport.
With the weather finally abating the Blues put in a determined effort at Priory Park against a very physical Stockport side which has dominated Cheshire age group rugby over several seasons.
A thoroughly competitive first half saw both sides tackling strongly around the rucks and in midfield, preventing each other from gaining convincing line breaks.
On the occasion that Stockport threatened the line, the Blues managed to turn the ball over and clear their lines. The Blues looked to counter attack when possible and turn the Stockport defence with kicks to the corner. However, both defences held firm and 0-0 reflected the first half.
Stockport dominated territorially in the second half. The Blues defended furiously, only conceding an unconverted try in the last 10 minutes of the game. Despite valiant efforts to reply Stockport saw the game out.
The Blues should take heart from the efforts over the season having only merged as a side in September and playing against sides that have been together over several seasons – a more then creditable fifth place in the Halbro North West Colts U17 A league is testament to their progress and bodes well for next season, and to transitioning into the club’s senior sides in the future.
Meanwhile, Macclesfield Rugby Union FC U15s reached the Cheshire Bowl Final.
They took on Caldy Rugby Club U15s - and the hard fought match ended in a 14-14 draw. The rules of the competition mean Macclesfield go through as the away team on the day.
While Covid 19 stopped the first team the second XV went to our longstanding rivals Preston Grasshoppers and turned in a truly professional performance winning 10-34 and gaining a try bonus point.
They were bolstered by the return of Frankie Barker who had an assist with a try-scoring pass to Peter Milne in the opening stages as we faced a strong wind.
Scrum half Hetherington almost got through shortly afterwards but then the Hoppers went the length of the field to score themselves.
Before half time winger Coates-Smith ran from