Harry’s third generation at Priory Park
WE’RE delighted to profile one of our younger first teamers this week, 19-year-old Harry Oliver, the son and grandson of former Macclesfield first team players.
Harry gained selection for Macclesfield direct from the Colts team, alongside: Will Davies, Harry
Harding and his twin brother James.
He was introduced to rugby at the Under 6 level and played in every age group in the Mini and Junior sections, eventually emerging to be selected for Cheshire in the Under 14s; maintaining his selection in every age group up to the Under 20s, where he played with his other three Macclesfield teammates.
His talent was further noticed by the Selectors and he went on to represent the North of England and England Counties at Under 18 level, winning two caps.
When asked about his long-time team mate Harry Harding, he said that he had been the best captain he’s played with for stimulating and exhorting the team to make greater efforts on the pitch.
Harry attended Wilmslow High, where he captained the side playing at Outside Centre. He says he’s always played in the Number 13 shirt and loves being in the midfield, enjoying the extra space of the position and with the chances that gives to exploit his speed and agility. But outside centre isn’t only about attack; Harry has developed an excellent defensive game, which is often needed against much bigger opposition in senior rugby.
He trains Mondays and Wednesdays in the gym and is one of the hardest workers in the Club’s Tuesday and Thursday squad sessions. His routine after Saturday’s matches is to relax his tired muscles in the swimming pool for an hour or so.
Playing for the first team often involves travelling great distances to away venues; and the first introduction to the long away trips was very much an eye-opener for the 18-year-old. Now he’s an enthusiastic ‘joiner-in’ with the singing and practical jokes on the coach journey home. All these activities have been a part of rugby lore and it’s all in the attraction of the brotherhood of team-bonding.
Outside of rugby he plays cricket for Bramhall with twin brother James in the summer months and occasionally golf at Davenport, he also follows the fortunes of City but is obviously unable to watch them except for on TV. He describes himself as a ground worker in construction; next year he’s hoping to gain an apprenticeship as a joiner or plumber.
Keith Oliver,
Harry’s Grandfather, played for Macclesfield during the 1960s, 70s and
80s, with Harry’s father Rob, continuing in the 1980s and beyond. Rob was himself a fleet-of-foot Full Back and Centre and also selected for England Colts.
Three generations of the Oliver family have enjoyed playing for the Club, so far spanning 60 years, and are always there to support, home and away, including Granma and Mum proudly watching Harry and James do their stuff every match.