Macclesfield were edged out 42–41 by Darlington Mowden Park in a gripping, end-to-end contest that delivered nine tries, momentum swings, and a controversial finish.
Macc made an excellent start and looked in control early on. Harry Blackwell opened the scoring, finishing well out wide, before the hosts responded through Liam Checksfield, with Flynn Ward adding the conversion.
The visitors quickly reasserted themselves. Immanuel Shute crossed to regain the lead, and Alex Davies added another soon after, with Harry Oliver converting to stretch the advantage. When Blackwell grabbed his second inside 25 minutes, Macc had built a commanding 7–22 lead and appeared firmly on top.
However, as has been the case too often this season, defensive lapses allowed the opposition back into the contest. Darlington Mowden Park began to find momentum, with Sam Clark finishing a well-worked score before Benjamin Douglas added another just before the break. Ward’s reliable boot ensured both were converted, cutting Macc’s lead to a single point at 21–22 going into half-time.
Macc started the second half strongly once again. Blackwell completed his hat-trick early in the half, with Oliver adding the extras, continuing an impressive attacking display that saw Macc look dangerous whenever they had the ball.
But the home side refused to go away. Checksfield crossed again to keep DMP within touching distance, and although Davies added his second try of the afternoon for Macc, the hosts responded immediately. Checksfield completed his own hat-trick before Douglas powered over for his second, converting his own try to push Darlington into a 42–34 lead.
Despite the setback, Macc showed resilience. A sustained period of pressure resulted in a penalty try in the 70th minute, bringing the visitors back to within a single point and setting up a tense final ten minutes.
With the clock ticking down, Macc were handed a golden opportunity to retake the lead in the 76th minute. Harry Oliver stepped up from long range, but his effort drifted agonisingly just under the crossbar.
Macc continued to push and thought they had found the winning score with the final play of the game. However, the try was not awarded, leaving players and supporters frustrated at what might have been in a game decided by the finest of margins.
The match ultimately highlighted both sides of Macc’s game, their attacking quality, with Blackwell’s hat-trick and a brace from Davies, and the defensive inconsistencies that allowed Darlington Mowden Park to stay in the fight and capitalise.
Director of Rugby Matt Coleridge reflected on the performance:
“Mixed feelings really. I thought our attacking output was excellent, we played some very good rugby, looked fluid with the ball, and probably could have scored more.
Defensively, though, we were our own worst enemies again. We can look solid for a number of phases, then something naïve or soft creeps in and suddenly we’re back under pressure on our own line. That’s becoming a recurring theme.
I felt the final play was a try, but the referee doesn’t have the benefit of replay, so you have to accept it. If you leave it in the hands of the referee, you haven’t done enough earlier in the game.
In terms of the league, it’s two points gained, but we probably needed more from games like this. That said, it’s not over until it’s over.”
While the result is a frustrating one, Macc take two bonus points from a high-quality contest and will look to build on their attacking performance as the season approaches its conclusion.
Our young star of the future Austin Keogh was selected by DMP for the Player of the match award.
Next Up
It’s our final HOME game of the season this weekend, and it’s set to be a big one.
We have a fully booked pre-match lunch across both rooms, and with strong support expected throughout the day, Priory Park will be packed and buzzing.
For those not attending the lunch, the Sin Bin outdoor bar will be fully stocked and open from 2pm, so come down early and soak up the atmosphere.
Post match entertainment is booked in with local artist Alice, plus the 1stXV invites you to jump on some Karaoke into the evening.
Important information:
If you’re attending and planning on enjoying a few drinks, please try to arrange to be dropped off where possible.
Any cars left overnight must be collected before 8:30am the following morning, as we are hosting the U18s Cheshire Finals and will require full use of all parking spaces.
