Macclesfield Rugby Club signed off their National 2 North campaign in thrilling fashion, overturning a 10-point deficit in the final stages to secure a dramatic 38–34 victory away at Sheffield Tigers.

In a season that has already seen Macc surpass 1,000 points and 100 league points, this encounter perfectly summed up their attacking quality and resilience. It was a game of contrasts, Sheffield’s dominant scrum and forward power against Macc’s pace and precision in the backs and ultimately it was the visitors’ cutting edge that proved decisive.

Macc started brightly, striking inside five minutes as Samson Shute crossed for the opening try, converted by Austin Keogh. Sheffield responded through Jamie Rudd’s penalty before Danny Martin extended the lead with a well-taken try midway through the half.

The hosts hit back quickly, Will Baker finishing a converted score to close the gap, but Shute added his second to keep Macc in front. However, Sheffield finished the half strongly with tries from James Broadley and Silas Talbot to take a 20–17 lead into the break, a score line that didn’t fully reflect Macc’s territory and possession.

 

 

The second half continued to swing. James Oliver restored Macc’s lead early on, but Sheffield’s forwards began to assert control. Tries from Benjamin Crowe and Louis Redfern appeared to put the hosts in command at 34–24 with just over ten minutes remaining.

What followed was a remarkable finish.

 

Samson Shute completed his hat-trick on 70 minutes, converted by Keogh, to bring Macc back within three points. Then, with the clock ticking into the final minute, Louis Townsend showed superb composure to gather a loose ball and offload, setting up Keogh to score the decisive try which he calmly converted himself to seal a memorable 38–34 win.

Shute’s three-try performance earned him the Rugby Paper Star Player accolade, capping a superb individual season that sees him finish second in the league try-scoring charts. Harry Oliver also enjoyed an outstanding campaign, finishing third in the try standings and as the league’s top points scorer.

Director of Rugby Matt Coleridge said:

“Another high-scoring game for us we’ve been the top points scorers in the league, but we’ve struggled defensively in the second half of the season.

I thought we played some great rugby in the first 30 minutes but didn’t finish enough chances and were a bit sloppy in defence. It was frustrating to go in behind at half-time given how much territory we had, but fair play to Sheffield.

They definitely won the forwards battle in the second half, which hasn’t happened to us much this season, but the character the lads showed in the final eight minutes was incredible.

Louis Townsend was outstanding under a lot of pressure, the Shute brothers were excellent again, and for Austin Keogh at just 18 to step up like that shows what a huge future he has.

It’s disappointing to miss out on the play-offs, but at the start of the season we’d have taken this position. We’re building something strong here.

“A big thank you to our supporters, staff, and everyone involved with the club, we’re excited about what’s to come.”

Final Score: Sheffield Tigers 34 – 38 Macclesfield
Star Player: Samson Shute

What’s Next?….
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate the achievements of the Senior rugby 2025/2026 season at the Macclesfield Rugby Club End of Season Awards Night. It’s time to honour our players, coaches, and volunteers for their hard work and dedication.

Get ready for a relaxed and enjoyable night filled with fantastic food, great company, and plenty of reasons to celebrate our club’s successes.

Event Details

• Date: Friday, 29th May
• Time: 6:30 PM
• Price: £20 per ticket
• Dress Code: Casual (think jim’s and jeans)

What’s On

• Awards Ceremony: We’ll be presenting awards to recognise outstanding performances and contributions throughout the senior rugby season.
• Food Truck: Delicious street food will be available to all ticket holders. Please note you must pre-select your meal option when purchasing your ticket.
• Drinks & Dancing: Our bar will be open, and we’ll have music playing so you can celebrate into the night.
  

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