Another great result for the Boys in Blue
By David Wilkinson
The return to Lightfoot Green, after four years, was filled with anticipation. Macc were firing well, but they were to face a big Hoppers’ pack. The first significant incident in the contest was a high tackle on the 60-metre line, allowing Hoppers to apply some early pressure. Preston advanced into their opponent’s 22-metre area and, after a series of well-constructed phases, nearly scored wide on the left wing. However, play was brought back for a penalty, which Preston successfully converted after Macclesfield had been penalised for being offside.
Some scrappy, mistake-ridden play followed, by both sides; Macclesfield were awarded a scrum on halfway, but were penalised for hinging. A good lineout 15 metres out enabled Preston to mount a strong drive to the line. Macclesfield’s defensive line dived into the rolling maul to prevent further progress, but number 2, Harry Holden, spotted the vacated blindside, darting around to grab the first try. The full-back, Sam Freeman, added an excellent conversion from the touchline to make it 10 – 0.
Following more errors around the middle of the pitch, Macclesfield were awarded a free kick at the scrum. Choosing to run the ball, they went through multiple phases running a variety of lines. It was the first decent spell from the boys in blue, and it was good to watch, as well as being extremely effective. Once in the red-zone a sequence of quick-fire rucks took them to the line, and Ben Blackburn was the beneficiary; Harry Oliver reducing the deficit to 10 – 7.
Ben Blackburn challenging the defensive line
Following the restart, Macclesfield were awarded a penalty for offside, with Charlie Attis taking it to halfway. The attack from the lineout maul went from right to left, twice players stepping in at 9 to keep the ball quickly alive. When the ball came back right, a short pass to Harry Blackwell allowed him to bisect two defenders; another two defenders in his way couldn’t lay a hand on him as he glided around them at top speed. It is why the Macclesfield faithful spend their hard-earned cash (pensions) to watch live rugby. Harry Oliver again converted, putting Macclesfield 10 – 14 ahead.
Harry Blackwell finishes his sensational try
After more scrappy play, Macclesfield had a lineout around halfway. The throw was guessed correctly, with the Preston jumper getting in front. Hoppers attacked quickly, with Macclesfield’s line naturally ragged; Harry Oliver tried his best to nip it in the bud, but it was too late. The overlap was fully utilised and Preston were back in the lead after Owain Williams had dotted down, Freeman converted for a 17 – 14 lead after 28 minutes.
From the restart, Preston attempted to clear from a ruck but kicked directly into touch from just outside the 22, it presented a great attacking platform for Macclesfield. From the scrum, the ball went to the right before switching back left, an overhead pass found captain James Oliver on the wing. His power and pace bounced off the first would-be tackler, with the next defender left in the firing line. His upper-body tackle was judged to be ‘no arms’, with a penalty try being awarded and the player yellow-carded. Macclesfield retook the lead 17 – 21 after 31 minutes.
Preston responded by winning a penalty after Macclesfield were judged as being offside at their attempted clearance kick. The home side kicked deep into the corner and launched a driving maul from the resulting line-out. However, Macclesfield’s defence held firm, turning the ball over. Preston still managed to win another penalty and, after securing the ensuing line-out. A training ground move at the front of the lineout presented another score for number 2 Holden. It was 22 – 21 after a scrappy first half.
Macclesfield looked to be sharper after the halftime regroup. They went through a series of quick phases before a no-look pass from Attis put Harry Hughes into space. His long-striding run took him to within 5 metres, where an offside player killed the play, sending him to the bin. With 7 now in the pack, Macc chose to scrummage in front of the posts, but instead of getting a drive on, they passed the ball out. When it came back, to the left, Harry Blackwell went for the line but was stopped short. The players around seemed to be day-dreaming as nobody came in to clear out, with a penalty resulting for holding on. It was a lost opportunity.
Harry Blackwell sets off for the line
Preston’s resulting penalty kick barely went 15 metres, with their subsequent clearance only making the 22. It presented an ideal platform for Macc to attack from. Two phases and Attis put Matt Smith into a yawning gap. The replacement Prop charged through, with an audacious dummy beating the Full Back. It was a very clever play that even put a smile on the Referee’s face. The boys in blue took the lead 22 – 28.
Matt Smith storms in for the fourth try
Macclesfield were now purring, a penalty put them deep into Hoppers’ half. They went through the phases with numerous penalty advantages until another penalty created a lineout 10 metres out. Longmore on for Townsend, found the jumper and finished a clinical driving maul. Harry Oliver again kicked the extras 22 – 35.
Ollie Longmore finishes for Macc’s fifth
When Macc got back into Hopper’s half, it was a change of tactic, up-the-jumper, battering-ram approach – and it worked. They worked their way towards the line, with big Ben Blackburn providing most of the muscle. When the ball squirted out from one of his collisions, James Oliver was first to react, scooping the ball up and charging to the line unmolested. His brother’s boot, like a metronome, sent the ball sailing between the posts to secure the sixth goal, 22 – 42.
Captain James Oliver finishes from 30 metres for Macc’s sixth try
As far as Macclesfield’s supporters were concerned, they had seen the best of it. Preston had virtually all of the possession for the remaining 10 minutes. They pressed and they pressed, going through the phases, eventually getting within a few metres of the line. Fly Half Alex Ward squeezed out a pass in the tackle towards his wing Jacob Browne, who somehow managed to propel the ball forward, over the tryline, using hand and foot, simultaneously – a piece of magic?! Whilst the boys in blue came close to another score, the game would finish 29 – 42.
A job well done
The contest conjured up many metaphors, a curate’s egg probably being the most apt; however, Darron Lamond’s restroom rant was somewhat less gentile – no doubt lapses in defensive structures – but I’m guessing; he’s a hard man to please, and so he should be. Head Coach Rhys Davies had a big smile on his face, and whilst he knew it wasn’t quite what they wanted, he was more than happy with the numbers. The result keeps Macclesfield unbeaten and in third position. Next Saturday they will welcome Fylde back to Priory Park, 3rd v 4th, it promises to be a humdinger. Book yourself in for lunch and make a day of it.
