RU: The Clubman column explains that the sad death of former Macclesfield player Andrew Clitheroe ensured that rugby took a back seat during the past seven days.

Rugby took a back seat this week as we learned of the sudden tragic death of former Macclesfield player Andrew Clitheroe, who suffered a suspected heart attack last Tuesday.

Andy, who was just 38, began at Priory Park with the successful colts sides of the early 1980s after his time at King's, coming into mainstream rugby thereafter and playing up to second XV level.

Although it is several seasons since he last played, he was a regular at Priory Park, and will be remembered as a reliable and free-scoring three-quarter who was happy to play club rugby with a smile.

His presence will be greatly missed and our thoughts right now are with Pamela and their two young children, Jessica and Freddie.

His funeral takes place tomorrow (Wednesday) at St Peter's Church in Windmill Street, Macclesfield at 11.15am followed by cremation at noon.

Afterwards, family and friends will meet in the McIlroy Suite at Macclesfield Town FC.

A minute's silence was held before the games at Priory Park last Saturday in his memory.

On the field, Macc could not repeat in Hull the victory obtained by Macclesfield Town just a couple of miles up the road the night before.

In the end, we were comprehensively defeated by a side intent on promotion.

Hull did all the basics right on a day when the gale force wind seemed to make no difference to their play. Macclesfield will have to go back to the drawing board in training this week to redeem themselves when Sheffield visit on Saturday before the long trip to Hampshire for the Intermediate Cup Semi Final the following week.

It was a disappointing afternoon for the travelling support, as Hull maintained their unbeaten home record, and we were 'nilled' for the first time since April 2000.

The Hull 'bogey' remains.

My weekend was ruined when I learned that my beloved Warrington had also gone out of the RL Challenge Cup.

Games played in North One last Saturday saw Halifax and Hull consolidate at the top.

They are now creeping away, although West Park are still there, while Darlington and Driffield have games in hand, so it could still be close.

Macclesfield, however, appear to have too much ground to make up, and recent displays at Darlington and Hull show just what has to be done.

But with the games we have left, we could have a say in who does eventually get promoted (and indeed relegated).

Around the club on Saturday, the seconds, who suffered several late cry offs, went down at West Park St Helens, while the Development XV and the Veterans both recorded victory.

Before the game this weekend, there is a pre match lunch, which I understand will be well attended as always, and I am sure that Wayne will be out to make an impression with his first effort. Be there at noon for a 12.15pm start.

It is hoped that there will be a large number of supporters making the journey to Gosport on March 9 - I know that the home club expect around 1,000 to be there - and this is a final call for those who are wavering to join the supporters coach that will leave Priory park at around 8am on the day to return an hour or so after the game finishes.

Cost is £20, and please contact Albert Simpson on 01625 429100 as soon as possible to book your seat.

We may never get this opportunity again - make the most of it.

Finally, do not forget that tomorrow night (Wednesday) is Quiz Night at Priory Park from 8pm, with Dr John Brown setting and asking the questions.

Teams of four can enter at £10 per team (this includes a meal), so if you haven't already made up your minds, get down and enjoy the evening.

There are good prizes for winners, although I am concerned about the 'booby' prize which I think must be going off by now!

Macc RUFC games for Saturday:

1st v Sheffield - League (Home) 3pm.

2nd v TBA

3rd v Crewe & Nantwich (Home)

4th v TBA

Vets v TBA