Macclesfield Rugby Club were shrugging off the disappointment of an unexpected narrow defeat at DMP last week, but the hangover still appeared to be present in the opening exchanges of this game against a determined Otley side.
Early Pressure, Early Punches
The men in black dominated the early running and were rewarded on 10 minutes when Corey McCormack crossed to give Otley a 0–5 lead.
That early setback seemed to wake the home side from their slumber, and the response was immediate. Young Austin Keogh made, scored, and converted his own try to swing momentum back in Macc’s favour at 7–5.
However, discipline, an ongoing issue in recent weeks again proved costly, with Townsend shown a yellow card. Otley capitalised, and Charlie Culf struck from close range to edge the visitors back in front at 7–10.
Macc Hit Top Gear
From that point onwards, Macc clicked into gear and took full control of the contest.
Keogh powered over again on 20 minutes from a strong driving maul, converting to restore the lead at 14–10.
Once Macc found their rhythm, they played some of their best attacking rugby of the season:
Alex Davies sniped over from close range (27’), Toby Talbot finished a flowing 30-metre break (34’) & Samson Shute produced a sensational solo effort from his own 10-metre line on scrum advantage, racing down the left to score (37’)
Otley did respond through George Lunn on 31 minutes, taking advantage of some soft defence, but Macc’s attacking tempo was now in full flow.
At half-time: Macc 33–15 Otley
Second Half – Fast Start, Constant Threat
With pressure on in the race for the National Two North playoffs, Macc came out looking to strike early again — and did exactly that. Shute grabbed his second try almost immediately after the restart, finishing off a well-constructed phase play move to extend the lead to 40–15. Otley, needing a bonus point to aid their survival hopes, responded through Corey McCormack again on 47 minutes, converted by Freddie Spensley.
Macc weren’t done though, Oliver Longmore added another try on 51 minutes (45–22).
Otley had the final say with McCormack completing his hat-trick on 72 minutes, again converted by Spensley, bringing the final score to 45–29.
Game Summary
For the remainder of the match, Macc looked to entertain their home supporters in their final game at Priory Park. The contest took on an end-of-season feel, with injuries and substitutions disrupting rhythm on both sides.
There were still flashes of quality:
Hughes putting in a massive work-rate shift
The Shute brothers again lighting up broken play situations
Smith and Blackburn making strong, consistent contributions off the bench
Macc’s attacking identity once again shone through. As one of the highest point-scoring sides in the league, their ability to move the ball at pace and strike from deep was evident throughout.
However, defensive lapses and occasional soft concessions, a theme of the season, ultimately proved costly in the wider playoff picture. Otley, for their part, were physical and committed, but struggled to cope with Macc’s tempo when the game opened up.
Key Performances
Austin Keogh – 20 points (2 tries, 5 conversions), controlled the game and sparked momentum shifts
Samson Shute – Two outstanding tries, constant threat in broken play, match-defining impact
Strong impact from the bench, particularly Smith and Blackburn
Toby Talbot – Sponsor’s Man of the Match (Search & More), influential throughout
Milestones & Notes
Congratulations to Danny Martin on his 100th appearance for the club
Referee Jack Moorhouse, a former Macc player, had an excellent performance in the middle
Star Man
Macclesfield have certainly uncovered a gem in Keogh from their M&J pathway, but the standout performer was Samson Shute, whose energy, instinct, and broken-field brilliance set the tone for Macc’s attacking display.
Final Word
It was a fitting final home performance of the season for Macc full of attacking flair, moments of brilliance, and a reminder of their attacking potential.
While defensive inconsistency may ultimately have cost them a playoff place, the foundations are clear: this is a young, ambitious side with one of the most dangerous attacking games in the league.
Macc head over to Sheffield Tigers for their final game of the season, if you cant make the trip we have an eventful day planned at home as the 2XV and Women’s XV will be double stacked for their last games of the season, get down for a great afternoon of rugby!
