By David Wilkinson
The excitement of winning the league was turned to pain in the summer, when news came that Macclesfield had been placed in the National Two West league. It felt for all concerned like a kick in the teeth; “This is what you get for being winners!”
It didn’t go unnoticed elsewhere, other Clubs in the North West demonstrated their supported. The Chairman of MRUFC, Bob Cooke, lobbied the RFU and the National Leagues, but they would not play ball. During Covid, the RFU undertook a very large survey of community ruby. The findings told the story that players had less time for the game and were stressed by the travel at weekends to away fixtures. Their response was laudable, with a restructure of the leagues to improve player welfare. Four years later, and it’s as if it never happened.
It didn’t go unnoticed by Owen Slot, Chief Sports Writer of the Times, “Macclesfield’s reward for success: pay-cuts and 13 hour round trips … A previously thriving community club faces a fight for survival because promotion has led to trips to Cornwall and Devon.”
Some players voted with their feet, moving to other clubs, but the rest of the boys in blue, have got on with it, but it has not been easy on a limited playing budget. It was a 5.00 am start that kicked-off the season, with a 650 mile round-trip to Camborne; and Macclesfield’s derby/local fixture is against Bournville, a mere 130 mile round-trip. Whilst it is water-under-the-bridge, the fear is “what if!” If Macclesfield were to be relegated, one might think that we would slide back to the North West, but it’s not a given, and should we survive relegation, can we survive another season of travel in National Two West. They are all questions that frankly we don’t have all the answers for – but there will be a plan.
It was fairly obvious that the squad would need to be bolstered, to be competitive at this new level, but the step forward turned into a giant-stride. The squad had the benefit of some quality new players, in forwards: George Boughey, Harry Hughes, Ben Blackburn, Elliot Thompson, and Theo Hulbert; and backs: Jamie Harrison, Mason Winterburn, Dan Leake, and Billy Birkett; but with the retirement of Tom Morton and the loss of Charlie Attis the team were without a recognised Fly Half.
At this level it made life very difficult. Director of Rugby, Matt Coleridge was pulling his many strings in all directions, to a) find a Fly Half, and b) further bolster the squad with loan players. Eventually he found a recognised 10, and the squad was further strengthened by loan players. Points have been difficult to come by this season. Head Coach, Rhys Davies, who had retired himself, had the view that if we can win our home games, and then take it from there; so a mid-table position was a realistic target. We have won 3, drawn 1, and lost 2 home games; and away games, won 1, and lost 7. This puts as in the bottom two of the relegation positions, but only a point below Bournville, that we have done the double over.
The difference in the quality of rugby in Nat 2 West, has been noticeable, any weakness is punished by players that have the pace and skill to take advantage; missed tackles more often resulting in scores. For much of the season so far, the lineout has been a problem, for a variety of reasons, but none more so than the sheer competitive nature. Where we have looked solid all season is in the set scrum, and the attacking play has converted well from the training ground, with some excellent finishing.
In the meantime the players have hit a run of form. It may only be two wins in a row, but momentum is everything. On Saturday they face Exeter University Students, their away form is no better than that of Macclesfield. As such, the Macclesfield faithful will be hopeful that the boys in blue can make it 3-in-a-row, with Wilkey’s Whaa-Hoo machine being put to the test. There will be a warm welcome to everyone at Priory Park for another thrilling year of rugby, kick-off is 3.00 pm.
