Ryan Parkinson’s hat-trick ensured that the Blues bounced back from defeat a week earlier to beat Otley at Cross Green.

Otley opened the scoring with a penalty in the very early stages of the game before Parkinson scored his first try to put Macclesfield in the ascendency.

Captain Tom Eaton’s kick saw them head into the Otley 22 and after a number of strong phases from the Blues, the back rower found himself diving over from close range.

Minutes later the hosts’ second penalty gave them back the lead.

But just as quickly as the Blues had surrendered the lead, they regained it.

This time it was winger Matt King who scored for the Blues.

The hosts failed to secure the kick-off and from the resulting scrum King (right) found space down the blind side and pinned his ears back to cross for a five-pointer.

Midway through the first half Macclesfield could have been out of sight but they had two tries wiped out.

Mike Finnemore hacked through and grounded the ball over the line but it was called back for a knock-on. And minutes later winger Ed Stobart went close out wide but was forced into touch.

Parkinson, who was playing out of his usual position at number eight, scored his second on the half-hour mark when the pack pushed over from a five- metre scrum and all he had to do was drop on it over the line.

That score gave Macc a nine-point lead at the half.

Early in the second period Parkinson wrapped up his hat-trick and his side’s bonus point.

Once again the Blues pack showed why they are a force to be reckoned with.

They got the driving maul rumbling and carried Parkinson over for his 13th try of the season.

Ten minutes into the second half Stobart was given a yellow card for a high tackle and Otley made the extra man count when Harry Hudson struck with a try to bring his side back into the game.

But their optimism was misplaced and Elliot Brierley scored from a lovely set-piece move to secure the win for the Blues with 10 minutes to go.

This was a good win and as equally impressive a performance from a Macclesfield team eager to put their defeat at home to Birmingham and Solihull behind them.

The Blues were rarely under pressure from their hosts and dominated Otley in territory and possession.

The win keeps them top of National Two North although Stourbridge are still hot on their heels, one point behind.

Next week’s opponents, Caldy, comfortably beat Birmingham and Solihull 39-3 so they will be in high spirits when they arrive at Priory Park this weekend.

The big tie of the round – aside from the Blues’ Caldy clash – sees Darlington Mowden Park take on Stourbridge, a game that could have a big impact on the season and Macclesfield will be looking for a favour from their friends in the north.

Elsewhere in the club, the Lions beat Wilmslow 57-12 at Priory Park, while the third team also enjoyed a home win, beating Crewe & Nantwich 40-10.

The fourth team came agonsingly close against Broughton Park but lost 19-18.