Macclesfield’s run in this national competition ended with a defeat to a very talented Boston side in the round of 16. Macclesfield started strongly and applied a great deal of pressure, but could not breach the away team’s line. Boston counterattacked and Macclesfield found themselves five-nil down. The home side were now under a lot of pressure, despite the best efforts of Bex Ward, Sophie Barnett and Jane Wells to break through in the midfield. Boston’s defence was excellent as was their attack and the handling of backs and forwards was of the highest order. Macclesfield conceded three tries despite some fantastic tackling from the back row and from forward of the match, Emma Lawton. Macclesfield looked to play but found it hard to gain ground despite the efforts of Evie Foster, Juila Ashford, Hannah Worsley, returning from playing in Australia and Sarah Naden in carrying. The home side held out defensively until the end of the first half, but Boston scored to leave the score at 29 – 0.
Ashford winning lineout ball
Boston scored quickly in the second half, however Macclesfield rallied, altered their game plan with Ward kicking cleverly to put the Boston back three under pressure. Annie Mitchell capitalised on such a kick to gather and sprint away to score. Macclesfield again put Boston under pressure out wide and Mitchell, the back of the match, came close to scoring a second. Ward (the opposition player of the match) was mixing the game up well. Boston were now panicking in defence and some aggressive carries from the forwards allowed Lawton to crash over for her first try for the club, with captain Mel Bramley adding the extra two points to make the score 12- 34 Macclesfield. Boston continued to be put under pressure and Maria McMaster forced to play at flanker when normally found on the wing, scored with Bramley converting to make the score 19 – 34. With time running out, Macclesfield bravely tried to move the ball from deep in their own half. However, fatigue was catching up with them and Boston hit them with two excellent tries to finish as worthy winners 19- 48.
Lawton scoring her first try for the club
Coach Paul Jakubowski is reflecting on the result.
“We came up against a very well-organised and skilful side who played rugby in a manner that we aspire to play. The second half performance demonstrated that we have the capability to further develop our game and compete with established teams at this level. By far and away, Boston was the best team we have played over the last three seasons”
The team returns to league action next Sunday with Winnington Park travelling the short distance from Northwich. Team manager Liz Jarratt commented, “The first time we met, Winnington Park was away at theirs in the rain, and we certainly didn’t give one of our better performances. We’re looking forward to meeting them on our own turf, to show them what a proper Macclesfield performance looks like!” Macclesfield will also be launching a recruiting drive this week. Look out for information on the club’s social media.
