Macclesfield got the new season off to a perfect start with victory over Wharfedale.

The Blues ran in four tries and secured an impressive bonus-point win against an extremely competitive Wharfedale side.

Charlie Mulchrone gave the home side the lead after just eight minutes, heavy pressure by the Blues forwards allowing the scrum-half to touch down. Ross Winney converted to give Macclesfield an 7-0 lead.

Wharfedale were given the opportunity to get themselves back into the game almost immediately with a penalty but Tom Davidson missed from close range and the Blues’ lead stayed intact.

However, ‘Dale didn’t have to wait much longer for their first points of the day, as flanker Dan Solomi broke through the defence to touch down on 20 minutes. Davidson once again missed his kick, leaving the visitors two points in arrears.

In an end-to-end half Mulchrone scored his second try on the half-hour mark, with great credit again going to the pack. Winney’s conversion made the half time score 14-5.

The second half began at a frantic pace and the hosts seemed to pick up where they left off, scoring almost immediately after the restart. Richard Wigham capitalised on heavy pressure to get over the line. Fly-half Winney converted and soon after his trusty boot added a penalty and the Blues looked in good shape at 24-5.

Wharfedale’s task was made even greater when they were reduced to 14 men, Joel Gill yellow carded for interference and ordered off the field.

Though under intense pressure and a man down the visitors rallied and scored their second try of the game.

Andrew Hodgson broke free in midfield and touched down, Simon Horsefall’s kick taking the score to 24-12.

The comeback was brief though and Macclesfield ended all hope of a Wharfedale fightback when Mulchorne burst through to complete his hat-trick and a bonus point for the Blues.

It was arguably the try of the game, with Mulchrone showing great intelligence to score. Winney converted to complete an impressive start to the new National One season.

First team coach Andy Northey said: "It was great way to start the season, and especially to secure five points. We played well against a tough Wharfedale side and we’ll build on that going into next week."