A fantastic win for Macclesfield. After a whole week of club politics which made Theresa May’s current difficulties look like Fawlty Towers;. The fourth team lent the third team eight players in order that they wouldn’t be forced to cancel their game for the third time this season and thus forfeit their place in the league.
Great appreciation to especially Jeremy Bostock for using all his contacts to enlist players. Captain Ryan Brown was lavish in his praise for Boz’s efforts.
Indeed so parlous was the side that Paul Smith co-opted Irishman Michael Moore in the pub on Friday night. As it happened it was an excellent introduction because Moore played so well he scored two tries and had a wonderful all round game.
Macclesfield’s pack of forwards outplayed Whitchurch, the front row of Bostock, Rufus Dixon and Jim Welch managed to win 4 of the opposition scrummages feeds. A great feat in this era when scrum halves are allowed to feed the put ins on a crooked line. This trio harnessed a huge amount of power and experience to provide a wonderful platform for the victory.
During the first half Whitchurch had actually managed to get the ball across the try line but Bostock insinuated himself underneath the ball carrier to prevent the grounding.
Matt Price at breakaway was the Man of the Match, he covered the field so well, leaped brilliantly in the lines out, another set piece which they dominated and was the person who touched down when a line out on the 22 became a running maul to result in an excellent forward’s score.
But Price had two rivals for that honour, Mark Marsh at fly half kept the back line moving up the pitch all game, he had brilliantly speedy accurate service from scrum half Smith so the other three tries were all scored by the wingers following dexterous passing. Ben Higginbotham at 12 this week paired with Aled Williamson set up Ryan Brown to run from his own half, he handed off two tacklers and side stepped his way in for the opening try. This week Ryan’s grandad didn’t see him score, you must travel every week, Morris to support!
Full back this week Reese Wilkinson had a brilliant 4th team debut. He’s 17 and officially still a Colt, his positional play was immaculate, good kicking from hand, converted a try and very quick around the field. Reese brought his own set of groupies to cheer his Mother and Father, grandad , brother and sister. He is definitely a player with a great future.
At times the match degenerated into a slugging match, sometimes a bit of handbags, but occasionally more serious. Whitchurch became frustrated and their forwards took on Macclesfield at Queensbury rules. A mistake as their visitors included Troy Crocker, Jim Leighton and Simon Street, all thee can definitely look after themselves when required.
At the conclusion Ryan Brown was very pleased with the win he congratulated his side especially the debutants Reese and Moore and Pete Barton playing his first game for 4 years as he substituted for Jim Leighton who had to withdraw injured after only 20 minutes, get better soon Jim.
And in the dressing room afterwards Brown again thanked Bostock for all his work in getting a side together and for playing such an outstanding game. What a wonderful asset he is for the 4th team.
