By David Wilkinson
Saturday sees the Christmas cracker of taking on our neighbours and good friends Stockport. Macclesfield currently hold the bragging-rites after a resounding win in September 46 – 6; and although Stockport top the bottom half of the table, their threat can’t be underestimated. Tom Eaton, ex Priory Park hero, will have the team fully charged to take on the might of Macclesfield. But the Macc lads focus will be totally on the maximum points, if they achieve that they will give themselves an early Christmas present of 2nd place, and if the result of Rossendale v Blackburn goes their way, it could even be top-spot.
Head Coach, Darren Lamond had this to say: “For the first time we start with the same pack as last time out, with some changes in the backs and bench. Harry Blackwell keeps the 12 shirt with Terence starting on the wing, and Charlie Attis returns and starts on the bench. Sam Brown and Tom Jennings were unlucky this week, and we’re expecting Matt Harrison and Josh DeGroot to be back in the mix in the New Year. Our selection strategy will then be slightly different from January, moving away from the rotation of players to building consistency in the team. Stockport will be hurting after the two previous games this year, and will go hard from the start; they are very quick at getting the ball from 9 to 13, and we will need to be alive to that”.
Macclesfield take a very strong squad to Headlands Road on Saturday, and with the other players to add to the mix it’s looking good for the rest of the season. It’s Christmas jumper day on Saturday and a big crowd is guaranteed, so get there early for a 2.15 kick-off. The team is: 1. Dan Percival, 2. Brendan Berry, 3. James Cross, 4. Rhys Davies, 5. Harry Harding, 6. Elliot Alston, 7. Tom Burden, 8. James Oliver Captain, 9. Dan Martin, 10. Tom Morton, 11. Terence Babarinsa, 12. Harry Blackwell, 13. Harry Oliver, 14. Sam Adu, 15. John O’Donnell, 16. Simeon Meek, 17. Phil Laing 18. Charlie Attis.
