At the end of a gripping and intense match coach Simon Dempsey reflected “I don’t think I have ever seen a more relived team to kick the ball off the pitch to end the game…. and that wasn’t the Macclesfield team, it was a serious testament to how far they have all come as individuals and as a squad!”. Sunday’s match was a top-of-the-table clash with Sale FC, undefeated, Sale had beaten Macclesfield by 48 points earlier in the season, however, Macclesfield came into the game off the back of two convincing wins.
Team manager Liz Jarratt, saying: “I can’t quite put into words how proud I am of us all today. To come away with a draw is a huge testament to how much we’ve improved and grown as a squad. Everyone on the pitch and screaming from the side, made a huge difference today!”
The weather was always going to influence the game and Macclesfield found themselves playing into a very strong wind, and with greasy conditions also having an impact on the handling. From the off Macclesfield looked to use the ball quickly and looked dangerous. A knock-on in the 22 allowed Sale to build pressure, recycle the ball several times and score in the corner. Macclesfield came back strongly with half-backs Mel Bramley and Bex Ward distributing the ball wisely to the backs and supporting forwards. Macclesfield had created several chances to score but as a result of a strong home defence were prevented from converting these opportunities. Pip Wyer was looking dangerous in attack and Tiegan Shaw was making ground with numerous thundering runs running off the Macclesfield half-backs. Chloe Newbigging and Jas Wilson were both distributing well and bringing the back three into the game.
Both sets of forwards were ferocious in their tackling with Louise Anderson and Ceri Hart outstanding while Julia Ashford was reminiscent of Lewis Moody in the ferocity of her tackling. Sale managed to gain some field position and scored a second try after some very disciplined recycling of the ball, which as with their first try went unconverted. With a quarter of the game gone the home side may have been ten points to the good but there was very little to choose between the two sides.
Sale continued to move the ball however, Macclesfield comfortably marshalled the Sale backs who were being forced to drift. Macclesfield continued to look dangerous with Newbigging breaking tackles and looking to feed her fellow backs. Sophie Hubbard was now getting onto the ball and made several breaks. Macclesfield came close to scoring, but the Sale defence, and handling errors at key moments, meant that at half time the score was 10 – 0 to the home side.
Hubbard breaking the Sale defensive line
The team were calm at the break, they knew they were still in the game and now with the wind behind them, they felt that they could get back into the match through a combination of kicking behind the opposition, applying pressure and being composed in the opposition 22. Macclesfield immediately went at the home side. Hannah Green and Shaw again carried effectively and aggressively, Mandy Rosser, Liz Jarratt and Emma Lawton were outstanding in defence, and in their carries. Eventually, the pressure told and after a series of quick rucks, the ball was spread right for Newbigging to dive over in the corner. A difficult kick was missed, Macclesfield were now dominating in all areas, their kicking game was causing pressure, and the home side were struggling to get out of their half. Mandy Rosser was held up over the line, and a forward pass led to a try being disallowed; before Pip Wyer forced herself over in the corner to square the tie, much to the delight of a very vocal travelling support.
Newbigging and Wyer celebrating the equaliser
Macclesfield had struggled with the refereeing decisions during the afternoon and had penalties overturned as a result of their actions, as a result of one of these Sale were able to escape from their half and build pressure, which resulted in them scoring a third try which went unconverted.
Macclesfield continued to exert pressure, Sale were now conceding penalties and Bramley was tapping and setting the forwards off to gain ground. Laura Adam playing for the first time at fullback was causing problems as she came into the line or running back at Sale when they kicked the ball away. Only desperate defending from the home side was preventing Macclesfield from scoring.
Laura Adam charging at the Sale defence
Eventually after a quick tap from a penalty and quick distribution Wyer went over in the corner to again square the tie at 15 all. A very difficult kick was missed. With 5 minutes to go the away side continued to look to manufacture a winning score, eventually Sale manged to gain possession and kicked the ball dead to end what was an excellent game.
Captain Mel Bramley reflecting on the match: “Incredible effort from everyone involved. The defence was extremely strong, and the team played intelligently in challenging conditions, The result came from a season of commitment to training, and to games, and to building a strong squad. I am extremely proud that we were able to show how far we have come against a very good and experienced team.” Paul Jakubowski added “Super proud of today’s performance, It was built on a massive defensive effort, there had been a focus on line speed and aggression during the week, our skill levels were excellent in the conditions and our scores were taken really well. Mel’s and Bex’s kicking in the second half really put Sale under pressure and were key to today’s success”.
The team now prepare for an away trip to Glossop on Saturday, 12.00 kick-off and they should be full of confidence going into the game.
