Rugby Notes from Clubman
On what was a good weekend for Macclesfield Rugby Club overall it was the Senior Squad that made the headlines with a deserved victory over league newcomers – Broadstreet – at their excellent Binley Woods HQ. The 34-13 victory on a very windy afternoon means that, thanks to other results as well, Macclesfield sit in the rare atmosphere of top spot in North Two after the first month of the season.
Many more weeks and games to go however and with some interesting results around the league it means that no side can be taken for granted in this competitive competition.
Those results saw Rugby Lions demolish Kendal at Mint Bridge by 36-6 and send out a warning to all. Caldy beat an under strength Loughborough by 36-8 and Huddersfield beat Fylde at Lockwood Park by 22-15. Hoppers & Harrogate enjoyed a high scoring 31-31 draw and Bradford caused some ripples by beating Leicester Lions 30-22. Westroe beat Hull 25-18 and in the basement battle Waterloo – who we entertain on Saturday (see Preview) beat Hull Ionians by 17-12.
Around Priory Park our seconds maintained their challenge to Sedgley Park in the Bateman BMW Premier League by defeating Broughton Park 53-15. The Thirds drew 10-10 at West Park St Helens and the Fourths won easily by 64-0 against Toc H.
Before Saturday’s home league encounter with Waterloo there is another pre match dinner and I understand a few seats are still available and after the first such lunch I cannot wait to sample the Cream of Parsnip & Ginger Soup followed by Roast Lamb with the trimmings plus Cheese & Biscuits/Coffee. All this plus match admission and programme for £20. Come along and enjoy.
News for your diary now and the Cheshire Cup Semi Final against Sale Sharks will be played on Friday 20 November with a 7.45.pm. kick off. This means that players from the other teams can come along and support before their own Cup games on the Saturday with 2nd & 3rd at home to Fylde so it promises to be a busy weekend at Priory Park. Make a note and come along to support Macclesfield Rugby Club as they seek to move to another Cup Final spot.
The RFU (bless them) have made a number of recommendations to eliminate cheating from our game after a lengthy survey of the game from top to bottom. One of the recommendations (to wipe out the possibility of a ‘bloodgate’) is to have rolling substitutions during the game. (another lesson to be learned from Rugby League who have had this for some time now) together with closer scrutiny of the technical areas. It will be interesting to see how long it takes to bring into effect. There are also some ‘Core Values’ which hopefully, if implemented, will also clean up the game for all be they players or supporters at all levels. There is, however, always a suspicion with the RFU switching off the tap to grass roots rugby in terms of financial support that it is more like ‘Corporate Values’ as one correspondent in the Rugby Times states.
