Macclesfield travelled to the Isle of Man to play Vagabonds at the weekend and in very windy conditions, succumbed to defeat against a very physical and skilful side. Playing into the wind in the first half, the travelling side were put under considerable pressure and forced into uncharacteristic errors from which Vagabonds capitalised upon to score the first try of the match, which was converted. Macclesfield gathered themselves and responded with some slick handling to allow Lucy Wainwright to score in the corner to bring the game back to 7-5 to the home side. Macclesfield were forced to defend the home side resolutely, effectively using their forwards to drive forward, scoring another two tries. In between, Wainright again scored running three quarters of the pitch to score under the post with captain Mel Bramley converting to leave the score at half-time 21- 12 to the home side.
Annie James look to break with support
The second half began brightly but soon Vagabonds were dominating in territory and possession. Macclesfield struggled to gain ground despite the carrying of Kacie Lawton, Julia Parker and Evie Foster. All credit to the Vagabonds defence who put the Macclesfield backs under pressure. Slowly they turned the screw to and scored three well-constructed to tries to make the game safe, before Siobhan Arden capitalised on a loose ball to run in from the halfway line to make the final score 36-17. Fullback Annie James commented on the weekend’s experience,” This weekend was a real testament to how far we’ve come as a team. A few years ago, we were in a development league, sometimes struggling to put out a full 15, now we’re travelling to the Isle of Man with 44 players, supporters, and coaches. Incredible. Saturday didn’t go our way, but it doesn’t take anything away from the team we’re building or the growth we’ve made over the past couple of years. A massive thank you to everyone who helped organise and make this trip possible!”
Macclesfield prepare to defend another Vagabonds attack
The team now have a break from league action with a friendly against Preston Grasshoppers on the 12th April and the final league game of the season on Saturday 25th April against Didsbury Toc Heaton, which will be played before the men’s second XV’s final game of the season against Manchester Rugby Club.
