Ladies’ win on road
MACCLESFIELD Ladies’ 1st XV travelled to Eccles for their first away match of the season.
Macclesfield faced a gruelling first 25 minutes of defence in their own half with front row Sammy Bannaghan unfortunately having to leave the field with an injury. Eccles were making a strong push for the line; Tiegan Shaw and Louisa Mackintosh, who were later named players of the match, took tackle after tackle stopping their opponents in their tracks. Macclesfield began to apply the pressure and eventually got onto the attacking foot pushing their way through the defence; with Captain Mel Bramley and Vice Captain Mary Thorp taking charge of the play from the rucks.
Macclesfield were quick to get back into their attacking lines and after a couple of passes from the ruck Jasmine Wilson was off and running, making a break through the middle of the pitch to score under the posts.
With half time giving the team time to come back together, coach Simon Dempsey issued instructions for the team to use their speed and compete at the rucks.
Having only been back on the pitch for a couple of minutes Pip Wyer broke down the wing scoring the second try for Macclesfield. Eccles returned with a quick break down the middle but were successfully stopped by Sophie Barnett and Jasmine Wilson, and the ball was stolen back by Thorp. After making their way back down the pitch Julia Ashford crashed through the Eccles defence and over the try line for her first try for the Macc Ladies.
Another 10 minutes of great quality rugby followed, played by both teams, until Mary Thorp became the first in a string of players getting over the try line. Sophie Barnett then made a break through the middle from halfway. Both were successfully converted by Mel Bramley. Jasmine Wilson was next to score on the wing; and to finish the game, Katie McCree raced down the wing for a final try for Macclesfield.
The team now has a week to prepare until they take on Rochdale, away this Sunday. Can they keep up their undefeated record?