Priory Park witnessed its most thrilling contest of the season as Macclesfield edged a breathless 39–38 victory over Tynedale, a match in which the lead changed six times and neither side managed to gain more than a nine-point advantage. With both teams producing six tries apiece and the scrums evenly matched throughout, this was a superb advert for National Two North rugby and a contest worthy of two sides now locked on eight wins and two defeats in the top four.
Macc burst out of the blocks, surging into a 12–0 lead through early tries from Mason Winterburn converted by Harry Oliver and then hooker Oliver Longmore. But Tynedale showed their quality, striking back through Seamus Hutton and Joe Tully to level matters. The sides then traded yellow cards and tries, with Immanuel “Manny” Shute finishing for Macc and Jake Scott replying for the visitors, giving Tyne a narrow 19–17 half-time lead.
The second half became a heavyweight contest, the two packs hammering into each other and neither side able to find lasting control. Ben Blackburn powered over against his former club to restore the Macc lead, only for Archie Rattray to respond immediately.
Shute’s second try, his brace forming part of Macc’s six-try total put the hosts back in front, before Tynedale’s Scott and Rattray struck again to open a 29–38 cushion entering the last 10 minutes.
From there, Macclesfield dug deep. Replacement fly-half Charlie Attis made a remarkable impact from the bench, first landing a penalty from in front to narrow the gap, then delivering two superb 50:22 kicks to drive Macc up field. From the resulting attacking platform, Harry Oliver broke from the maul and offloaded to Samson Shute, who dived under the posts for the decisive score. Attis added the simplest of conversions to seal an unforgettable win.
Despite taking five points, Macc remain fourth as Tynedale’s two bonus points keep them one point ahead but momentum now swings firmly towards Priory Park after a performance built on resolve, contribution from all 20 players, and a calmness in the decisive moment.
Star Man: Charlie Attis
Post-match: Matt Coleridge, Director of Rugby
“We have to stop these close games or I’ll be needing a pacemaker,” Coleridge joked afterwards. “But seriously, it’s amazing that we’ve competed with everyone who’s come here. We felt we threw it away against Fylde and Sheffield, so it was great to get over the line against such a good team who are marginally above us in the league.
“That game was a great advertisement for N2N: two sides trading blows, both playing great rugby.
“I was really pleased with how the lads dug deep from nine points down with nine minutes left and found a way to win. The whole bench had an impact. Even when our scrum, which has been one of our biggest weapons, was being matched, we managed the game well, taking the three points, then Attis hitting the 50:22s and finishing the try.
“All 20 were outstanding. We now look to Wharfedale away, always a tough fixture with the backing they get up there. It’s a selection headache, but in a very positive way.”
Macclesfield 39–38 Tynedale
Player of the Match: Ben Blackburn
Voted by our Matchday Sponsor: Marchington Stone
Tries – Macclesfield:
Winterburn (5’), Longmore (10’), I. Shute (30’, 58’), Blackburn (44’), S. Shute (78’)
Conversions – Macclesfield:
Oliver (2), Attis (1)
Penalties – Macclesfield:
Attis (71’)
Tries – Tynedale:
Hutton (21’), Tully (24’), Scott (35’, 62’), Rattray (45’, 67’)
Conversions – Tynedale:
Leslie (4)
Macclesfield RUFC would like to extend sincere thanks to our Match Day Sponsor, Marchington Stone, for their continued support, and to our Match Ball Sponsor, Macc Motors, whose backing helps make days like this possible at Priory Park. Our next home fixture is on Saturday 6th December, and supporters can now book their pre-match lunch tickets CLICK HERE we look forward to welcoming another big crowd for what promises to be another fantastic afternoon of rugby.
