Four signed up as Macc prepare for comeback
LAST week saw the next step towards a return to rugby, with the RFU’s announcement that their roadmap plan will now move to the third staged progression, to include: larger group training sessions with a game structure of ‘touchrugby’.
The aim is to progress to inter-club competitions, in September, prior to full contact rugby.
After some intensive fitness sessions, the squad now takes a two week break before returning to training, to then include the RFU’s Ready4Rugby non contact game.
It will be a welcomed change for all concerned, but Andy Appleyard, and his coaching team, will be well aware that there is no substitute for competitive, full-contact rugby to gage just where the players are, to face the demands ahead.
Whilst all of last season’s squad has re-committed for the season ahead, there has been plenty of activity in player recruitment; with confirmation that the following new players to the Club have signed contracts for the coming season:
Danny Martin (ScrumHalf) joins Macclesfield from Aldwinians, where he was named as one of the players of the season in the ADM league; Danny has shown tremendous fitness levels in training, and his introduction would allow the coaches the flexibility to both provide cover for Sam Stelmazsek or consider Sam in other positions (Sam has caps for Poland playing wing and scrumhalf ).
Druw Fray (Openside/ Blindside Prop, Second Row and Number 8) has played Cheshire U20s, for MMU and joins the Club from Rossendale. He’s a powerful player and his positional diversity is an excellent option for the team, in a league with only three substitutes!
Elliot Alston (Second Row/ Number 8) joins from old rivals Winnington Park, he’s another big and powerful player looking to step up his playing level after playing well last season for Winnington Park. Sim Meek (Prop) is a big unit who will be a handful in the scrum, he joins the squad after taking a season out; prior to that he was with Wilmslow.
Andy Appleyard also awaits the signatures of three others, all big, powerful players: two Second Row/6s and a Centre/Full Back. Two of these players have had previous successful stints with the Club. Another to rejoin Macc is Brendan Berry, now even stronger and faster, and according to Analyst Matt Coleridge could play Front Row, Number 8 or Centre; and there are others – watch this space.
The player succession at Macclesfield continues with five Youth players graduating into the senior squad: speedster Tom Fairclough; Scrum Half James Board (Pete Board’s younger brother); utility back Tom Blackwell who the Club hopes will be joined by his brother Harry for a second stint; Centre Harry King, like his father Tony, is very quick around the park, but a much bigger unit; and Scrum Half Alex Davies, Alex, King’s School Player of the season, follows in his father Rob’s footsteps and, when the time comes, will no doubt look forward to playing with brother Will.
The squad looks to have real strength-in-depth, with cover in all positions and importantly several players that can play in various positions, which is a real advantage in North Premier. This latest stepchange in the RFU’s road map will excite the players on their return, but if we are to start the season away at Northwich on the 10th October there are several steps yet to be taken – let’s hope that the return of Premiership Rugby on Friday speeds up the process.
“WHY DON’T WE BUILD A PETANQUE PISTE?”
THE WhatsApp words of the Club’s President, Peter Harper, uttered to the Vets Golf Society during lockdown, came to fruition on Saturday – after not a little labouring by the band of volunteers! With the help of sponsors Marchington Stone and JC Steel, and other kind donations, the Piste has been completed for the enjoyment of all Rugby Club members.
An opening speech was given by Michelle Cook, introduced by Chairman Stephen Branch as: “The French Minister for all forms of Boules and President of the Global Pétanque Society”. As her speech was given in French the assumption was that she gave permission for we English to enjoy their, French game of Boules. After a suitable English response from the Chairman, the President cut the virtual ribbon (you had to have been there) and play commenced. Several very competitive games took place including an all-ladies affair as everyone for once enjoyed some Saturday afternoon sun. Please note that the Priory Park Beer Garden is open every Saturday afternoon, as well as Thursday evenings.
The Pétanque Piste has been created for all of the members and their families to enjoy. The ground around it will be developed further with some fixed seating for those waiting to play. The Piste is free to use and no booking system is being employed. There is room for two games to take place at once, but if the Piste is being used on your arrival, challenge the winners, and take your turn.