Macclesfield v Wirral K.O. 2.30 Priory Park
Saturday sees another tough encounter at Priory Park as the men in blue take on Wirral, looking for revenge after the close encounter earlier in the season 17-18. Macclesfield played yet another get-out-of-jail-card on Saturday (18-19), way up-north at Alnwick; once again Myles Hall saving-the-bacon with a 78th minute try against the Northumbrians (you may recall his match winning, last-ditch tackle, against them earlier in the season). After last week’s reported “ridiculous gale-force wind” Priory Park should present the players with no serious weather to contend with; but they will need to contend with a high-scoring Wirral XV, no doubt re energised after their 6 tries against Carlisle (4 after 20 minutes).
Sadly there’s still no return for Billy Robinson on Saturday, after his badly gashed leg, but although leaving the field at Alnwick at HT Sam Broster is 50/50 for selection. Back in the mix will be Will Davies and possibly an early return of James Oliver. All of which is a healthy headache for Head Coach Andy Appleyard, but these talented young players are very adaptable, and can play in various positions, so don’t be surprised if there’s a shuffle around when the team is published on Friday morning.
Wirral sit 10th with the pressure of the drop-zone slightly relieved, Macclesfield, on the other hand, have the pressure full-on, for all the remaining 6 games. These young Macclesfield lads can’t afford a slip-up if they are to finish in either of the top two slots. But as Andy Appleyard said in his post match interview: “This season the boys have learnt how to save a win and potentially gain a win”. They will not be lacking in confidence after surviving what was a very difficult encounter at Alnwick, and will be welcoming the roar of the Macclesfield Faithfull – as well as plenty of “Whaa-Hoos”!
If you want to experience the full match-day experience there’s still time to book in for lunch with Steak and Ale Pie, chips and Peas followed by cheese. All other planned lunches are sold-out, so book in now https://www.macclesfieldrufc.co.uk/event/macc-v-wirral/
