RU - THE CLUBMAN: Macc lose unbeaten record...
Regrettably it could not last and with Darlington bringing to Priory Park probably the most complete rugby team to visit this season the hoped for 'unbeaten' record went by just a single point in a game that still could have been won.
The game had much to recommend it with a superb Macclesfield try being the highlight in a typically tough encounter with none of the 'off the ball' nonsense the Springboks brought to Twickenham.
On the day Darlington had a stand-off who dictated the proceedings and a pack, that for once, stood up well to the Macclesfield eight and who dominated the line outs throughout.
In my view they were, on the day, a more complete side than Cleckheaton who still march on towards promotion and it is to sides such as those that Macclesfield must emulate if we are to progress.
Macclesfield played the final ten minutes with only fourteen players after George Browning was stretchered off with knee ligament injuries which will keep this promising player out I fear for quite some time.
By this time all replacements had been used and the loss earlier in the game of Ross Harper with a nasty knock on the knee did not assist the cause.
Despite the loss and subsequent drop to fourth place in North One after results elsewhere which saw Chester win 35-27 at Aspatria (who we entertain on Saturday) and Morley return to winning ways at Huddersfield with the surprise of the afternoon being a Driffield victory at West Park by 33-32 in what sounds a superb game.
The players of all sides enjoyed an excellent 'Players Dinner' at the clubhouse on Saturday night with some 70 members attending and enjoying the meal and apres both at the club and in town afterwards.
They must now gird their loins for the visit of Aspatria this Saturday when two league points are vital with a couple of banana skins to negotiate in the following two games away at Birkenhead Park and Darlington - this is one game I do not fancy so soon after last weekend!
There was serious disappointment for the seconds when, early in the week local rivals Wilmslow unaccountably pulled out of the Merit game due to have been played at Pownall Park on Saturday - it is to be hoped that they turn up here on March 8 for the return.
The situation seemed to be addressed when Darlington offered to bring down a Second XV to play but they let us down at 10.15.am on Saturday morning, leaving no chance to arrange anything else despite the fact that several fixtures would have been available in the 'pool' had they notified us the day before.
Such is life. Winnington Park also let down the Third team for their 'League' encounter but at least they managed to entertain Toc H with the early notice.
Before this Saturday's game there is another buffet being laid on at a cost of £6 and this begins at 1.30.pm.
If you wish to attend then let Nigel know on Wednesday or you will be too late.
As I have previously said it is no good ringing up on Saturday or simply turning up and expecting it to appear for you. Think ahead.
The last three weekends have been illuminating for those following England with three outstanding victories at Twickenham with some similarly outstanding individual performances which, if continued on into the Six Nations and beyond to next years World Cup down under, should make this side the one to beat.
I look forward to February 15 when France come to HQ in the first of those games.
This is a game that, even at that early stage, I feel will see the destiny of the championship.
You will recall that two weeks ago I was listening to Mozarts Requiem in memory of English cricket.
Tonight I am listening to Haydn's Creation in the hope that all is not as lost as it appears to be.
The Barmy Army have my undying admiration for their fortitude.
