Bostock’s Old Guard still have it

FOURTH team captain Jeremy Bostock was delighted with the entire squad after victory against Bury.

He was able to field a full 15 with five players on the substitutes bench, with young Jamie Downes, the star of last week acting as water carrier.

Turning out were a few who were reviving their rugby careers.

Andrew Foster at scrum half played the full 80 minutes after a serious knee problem had left him wondering whether his career was over.

Along with Matthew Burton, Tim Kerr and Fergus Green, all four playing their first match for two years, injures and other activities having taken them out of the fold - they all showed their flair and pace had not deserted them.

Bostock nicknamed these, along with Jim Curtis, the old guard when he welcomed them back but also there were some from the usual squad who are now at 50 years of age: Nick Smith, Simon Street and

Geoff Chan, plus others also fast approaching: Paul Smith, Jim Welch and Pete McNicholas.

The conditions were ideal for fast open running rugby, with Pete Hardwick, Ryan Brown and full back Phil Humphreys they wasted no opportunity to fully stretch their legs and show off their pace.

The first try scored by Fergus Green acting as ball carrier at the rear of a rolling maul he steered towards the try line like a ship’s captain at the helm before triumphantly popping the ball over the white line.

Then the backs took their chances, first full back Humphreys then winger John Plant bursting away on runs with ball in hand to stitch up the try count.

Ryan Brown converted one and was successful with a penalty, this kick was important as it was eventually the difference between the teams.

Macclesfield’s dominance of the scrums caused Bury to request unopposed scrums for most of the match.

Debutant Mike Broadbent and Burton demonstrating their scrummaging techniques whilst Matt Price and Simon Street in the back row used power and game management to the side’s huge advantage.

In the post match huddle Jeremy thanked everyone, old guard, newcomers, Rick Hogg and Simon Carter (unused subs). He stated this had been a massive victory with so many positives to build upon.

Bostock is actually due a huge hand of appreciation from the team for his tireless work to pull together the side ready to take the field.

Next week’s opposition will be Toc H Didsbury, everyone will be raring to get out there and seek another win.