Merged Colts maintain improvement
MACCLESFIELD U18S .... 5 CREWE & NANTWICH . 13
MACCLESFIELD merged their U17 and U18 Colts sides three weeks ago, and since then have shown a marked improvement week on week as the team gels together.
This week was no exception as Macclesfield hosted Crewe and Nantwich down at Priory Park.
C&N won the toss and elected to kick, going with the wind. From the off C&N took the ball to Macc, with relentless pressure inside the Macc 22 for the first 15 minutes. Macclesfield’s defence held strong, keeping C&N at bay.
A driving maul from the lineout finally saw C&N rewarded at the 17-minute mark with a try in the corner, and well converted by C&N 10 which a great kick from the touchline, Macc 0 C&N 7.
At the restart Macclesfield piled on the pressure, winning the ball back and progressing into the C&N 22. Macc played the phases, grinding down the meters. A wide ball out to Max Woods (wing) who managed to sprint for the line. A missed conversion into the wind saw it Macclesfield 5 C&N 7 at the break.
Following the oranges, Macclesfield came out much stronger. Taking and winning the kick and piling on the pressure immediately. Fast attacking lines saw C&N pinned in their own half, with Macc working to the 22. C&N won a turnover ball and kicked to escape their red zone.
Whilst gathered by Macclesfield, C&N came again with their attack, turning the ball over, followed by Macclesfield escaping their half.
20 minutes of great rugby followed where both sides held their own.
A yellow card for Joe Moorcroft saw Macclesfield down to 14 men, however C&N were not able to capitalise. Despite losing the second-row player,
Macclesfield kept their defence strong.
Following the return of the carded player, Macclesfield were on the end of a strong attack from C&N, and in the last
15 minutes two penalties were conceded close to the sticks. C&N had a great kicker, slotting them both – Macclesfield 5 – 13 C&N.
A very even sided
match, which could have gone either way. Huge improvement from Macclesfield U18 Colts, with a superb lineout and great defence. On to Sandbach (away) next
Sunday, KO 2pm.
●●IF anyone is interested in joining Macclesfield RUFC Mini, Junior and Youth, from U6 to U18, please contact mjy@ maccrugby.co.uk.