In-form fourths through to final four

ON a soggy but playable pitch the fourth team continued their successful run of victories to qualify for the semi final of the

Cup.

This victory continues their winning momentum; since the New Year they have won five out of five with two postponed games due to storms Ciara and Dennis.

Glossop were doughty opposition, neither side backed down, there were three incidents which could have turned into mass brawls but actually petered out into rather tame hand-bagging incidents.

Macclesfield scored four tries, two of which Ryan Brown converted. Paul Smith crossed the line for the first after a full forward drive.

Although the score didn’t open the floodgates as Glossop came back with two converted scores of their own. Next Nick Smith, in the centre this week, scored a fine individual effort. Scott Goodfellow, playing some of his best rugby for the fourth team, added another. At half time Macclesfield led by 17-14. In the second session it was difficult to decide who had the advantage of the strong wind; it was blowing diagonally, slightly in Macclesfield’s favour, so the 4ths had the majority of the territorial superiority, their big forwards keeping hold of possession. It became a test between the visitors younger speedy side versus the home team’s physically stronger combination.

Macclesfield’s giant locks were sorely missed, Captain Jeremy Bostock on a family holiday and Jack

Nicholson hospitalised. Best wishes Jack for an early discharge. A further try by Scotty, who was unanimously acclaimed Man of the Match, gave some breathing space until Glossop broke the stranglehold and raced out of their 22 to score a converted try. Then Brown chipped over a tricky penalty to complete the scoring. It should be mentioned that 1st team Forwards’ Coach Rick Jones took the opportunity of a free weekend off the have a run-out for the 4th team, playing well until popping a rib.

Captain for the day Nick Smith was very happy; in the post match huddle he congratulated all 18 players. The semi final of the cup isn’t until early April against Preston Grasshoppers away, hopefully by then the absentees will be fit for the encounter. Macclesfield 4th team squad march triumphantly onward with the definite chance of silverware this season.

The second team were away at Sedgley Park where they won 14-7, a very good result for Pete Langley’s side. Tom Leicester kicked three penalties and Joe Parker bagged a try. It was a cold blustery afternoon, and returning from the first team bench, Matt Thorpe and Phil Laing provided the go forward throughout the match. Line out men Sam Jones, James Brocklehurst and Matt Colgrave did great work disrupting the opposition ball. Dom Sheratte was Man of the Match for all his graft at set pieces and classy offloading in tight forward situations.

Our Seconds are developing to be a very efficient outfit, a tribute to the coaches; obviously most turn up to the senior squad sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays when Apps and Jonah put them through their drills helped by Langley who himself acts as manager during the matches.

Next Saturday the first team welcomes Blackburn to Priory Park. Their week off has given the team the opportunity for some serious stuff in the gym, and focusing of the mind after the loss to Sandal. Expect another big pack and muddy pitch, but no doubt we will have learnt a lesson since the home defeat. There will be a few changes as Sam Stelmaszek is with Poland, Jordon Simpson is unavailable and Billy Roberts is still recovering from his leg gash.