Blues give Tigers real test at Dore
RUGBY UNION DAVID WILKINSON
IT was far from ‘dour on the moor’ as 23 of the Macclesfield squad took on National Two outfit Sheffield Tigers at Dore Moor.
It would be a tough call for the boys, who were of differing abilities being a mix of players from first and second teams plus three young lads straight from the Colts.
The format was three games of 30 minutes, but Sheffield Tigers had over 40 players to call on.
The first 30-minute game was played against a Sheffield Tigers Development XV, which Macclesfield won.
In pretty dour conditions Macclesfield were playing all of the early rugby, with Josh Redfern taking line-out ball and running well; a deft chip from the outside half Will Davies putting Macc’s right winger Sam Brown in for the first score.
Andy Appleyard commented: “The game was a bit weird at times, particularly with no mauls at the line-out and with no scrums the ball was inplay for long periods.
“I was very impressed with the three young lads making the transmission from Colts to Senior Rugby; Will Richardson at Full Back and Harry
Marchington and Sam Brown on the wings, both of the wingers scoring tries.”
For the second 30-minute game Sheffield’s, Player Coach, Jamie Broadly brought himself on with a further fresh set of players.
Tigers were having most of the play until Macclesfield’s Sam Brown fielded a 22 drop-out on the touchline and after beating a couple of players passed to Harry Oliver who when tackled fed to Macclesfield’s Milne who scored to put Macc 7-14 up. Josh Redfern linked well in the backs before Macc’s third try scored by Harry Marchington; Tigers going over before the end of the second session.
The last 30-minute game session saw Broadly’s full-strength side take the field.
The Macclesfield lads were by now tiring and a few went to the bin, but Tigers were still tested until they started to get their own way with ten minutes remaining, they went on to win this session and the overall score on the day.
Andy added: “I thought that the lads did really well, they really frontedup; Harry Harding and Matt Thorp put in the full ninety minutes, the lads did not look out of place at this level. Our recent defence work with Clive Griffiths paid-off, and there was some good execution in our attacks out wide – some good decision making and some good link play between the forwards and backs.”
Andy said that it could be different again next week when Tigers come to Priory Park; Macclesfield will be much stronger with hopefully a full squad.
The format on Saturday will be slightly different with four 20-minute game sessions.
Sadly, the stand and perimeter will be closed for supporters; although, as usual, the outdoor Sin Bin bar will be open for drinks and catering.