Macclesfield recover from a below standard first half to claim a bonus point victory against a tough Morpeth side.
Both teams opened their campaign last week in disappointing defeats, meaning this game was vital in establishing momentum.
The game however started with Morpeth taking the lead after 8 minutes thanks to a kick through being touched down by the Morpeth Full back, the conversion was good.
Macclesfield hit back in style, first through the pick and go king Josh Redfern, then Pete Milne running through. Both tries had been converted to give the home side a 14-7 lead after 20 minutes.
Errors and ill-discipline proved costly for the blues, as Morpeth scored two tries within five minutes. The first came from a loose carry near halfway which had been ran straight back under the blues posts.
The next came from quick passing out wide which left the home team short of defenders, both conversions had been struck well in slightly breezy conditions.
Morpeth had been good value for their lead, with Appleyard’s men down 14-21 at half time, a reaction was needed in order to claim the victory.
The second half provided great viewing for all those at Priory Park, as the home side came out on fire. A great break from the back line forced a Morpeth player to go off his feet after he completed a last gasp tackle, for all money it looked like Macclesfield would go over. The referee decided a yellow card and a well-earned ten-minute sit down was needed for the guilty defender.
The blues made Morpeth pay, shortly after Davies went over but did not convert the extras. It was game on at Priory Park with the score at 19-21.
Myles Hall also crashed over in the corner, this was the result of great composure and exploiting the wider areas at the correct time. The blues led 26-21 with one quarter of the game left to go.
Winger James Oliver managed to deliver the fatal blow to Morpeth’s chances, as he crossed over with 10 minutes to go and Morton this time hitting the conversion.
That proved to be the final score of the match and resulted in a bonus point victory for the blues. The home crowd had been pleased with what they had witnessed and gave a standing ovation at the full-time whistle.
The second half showing was a testament to show what the boys in blue are capable of. Morpeth themselves have plenty to be proud of after a long journey, but all the glory goes to Appleyard’s side.
After the match Josh Redfern showed optimism for the new season, speaking about the victory. ‘Its good for the boy’s confidence, it’s been coming for a few weeks and it’s a good feeling to get the result’.
Andy Appleyard was also in good spirit after a solid second half showing. ‘Its fantastic for the boys, we didn’t perform to full potential especially the first half, we reviewed it at half time, we looked at areas we could work on. The boys they changed, they came out a different team at half time.’
Overall, the players had put on a great show for all the crowd at Priory Park. Next week the blues face a tough Ilkley side away from home. Finally, the home support had been amazing throughout the game. The support truly does place the 16th man on the field for the lads.
