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Macclesfield 0 Hanley Hawks 16

12/12/2007

PLAYED in arguably the worst conditions that players will encounter all season, this game deservedly went the way of second division Henley Hawks.

The visiting side now await the draw for the fourth round at Twickenham, but the Blues’ injury-hit squad can take plenty of consolation from their performance and attitude.

That will stand the Macclesfield squad in good stead, as survival in Three North takes precedence for the remainder of the season.

After a last minute pitch inspection the game went ahead, despite water standing on the surface of the pitch.

Macclesfield kicked off into the flood with Henley taking early advantage through their powerful pack.

After just eight minutes Henley went ahead through a penalty from full-back Nathan Lambden, who kicked well throughout, after a high tackle.

Despite this the Blues hung on, and with the pack soaking up plenty of pressure and even managing to take a scrum against the head before a 70-metre break put Henley in a good attacking position.

Another alleged high tackle enabled Lambden to post three more points after 20 minutes.

Just before the break a fortunate charge down in the home 22 enabled Hawks’ centre James Chapman to touch down under the sticks for an easy conversion, to give the visitors a 13-0 lead.

Despite more intense pressure from the visitors’ pack Henley were unable to add to the scores before the interval.

Lambden put the Hawks further ahead after just five minutes of the second half.

Some concerted Macclesfield pressure saw play in the Henley 22 , but after 25 minutes Hawks managed to move away and attack the Macclesfield line.

They were unable to add to their score with the home defence holding out to the end as the rain poured down.

While gutted to lose the game, Macc coach Steve Mannion said: "I was proud of the way the lads played in extreme conditions and they stuck at the game when they could have been swamped.

"I was impressed with the professionalism that Henley showed and we can learn from this for our future games."