Macclesfield’s Ryan Parkinson is currently the leagues top try scorer with 18 tries in 15 games, helping to keep the Blues top of National Two North.
“To be fair I’ve been pretty lucky with the pack that I’ve had in front of me, they’ve been pretty strong in front of me and dominated most of the games.
“It takes someone at the back of the scrum or maul to score them I guess, but I have scored a few from a bit further out,” said Parkinson.
With regular number 8 Frankie Barker sidelined after picking up an unfortunate injury against Stourbridge, Parkinson has been chosen to fill in at the back of the scrum.
“I do enjoy it (playing at 8), I played there before when I was at a previous club but since I’ve come to Macclesfield I’ve been spent most of my time on the flank.
“Since Frankie’s injury it’s been good to get the chance, it involves a lot more carrying and gives me a few more opportunities to score,” explained the 26-year-old.
Parkinson is four tries clear of his nearest competitors, Henry Robinson of Darlington Mowden Park and Jonny Matthews from Sedgley Park.
However, the back rower insists he’s not worried about scoring tries when he takes the field on the Saturday; there is a bigger picture.
“I’ve got to make sure I do my other jobs first, the way we play and the position I’m in is suited to me scoring but it’s about putting in the hard work and getting those jobs done.
“I put that pressure on myself and I always want to improve my performance, I’ve said it before that the penalty tries we get close to the line I enjoy because the forwards get the credit,” he insisted.
“I don’t mind not scoring as long as the team wins, but it’s always nice to get on the scoresheet.”
Macclesfield assistant coach Andy Northey was pleased with how the back rower has performed this season and was full of praise for the top try scorer.
“He’s just a real unassuming, hard-working lad and it’s great to have that sort of bloke in the squad.
“He’s worked on his physicality and he’s got a lot bigger since he’s arrived, he’s not worried about getting credit, he just gets on with his jobs.”
“He’s a joy to coach.”
