RU: Is promotion a possibility? Just one of the issues facing Macclesfield in our weekly column.

IT was always going to be difficult at West Park and so it proved with the home side taking the game by the odd point in 57.

Although Macc scored three out of the five tries in the game, it was the reliable boot of Park full-back Martin Strett that broke visiting hearts with two conversions and five penalties.

Macc had an early 'try' disallowed, and a couple of kicks during the game when handling might have been safer resulted in turned over ball with penalties against converted seconds later. Eleven points which clearly would have made the mood in the dressing room after the game not the morgue that it was.

Realistically any prospect of promotion this term seems that much further away now, and although we still stand in second spot the clubs around us have too many games in hand, although Chester did us (and themselves) a favour by beating Darlington.

However, it is not over yet and with no game this Saturday there is work to be done on the training paddock before we entertain table-topping Cleckheaton a week Saturday in arguably our most important game to date this campaign.

Going back to our game at West Park it was frustrating for players and spectators alike to witness the lectures given to the front rows before each set piece, which did neither the scrummage or continuity of play much good.

Interestingly West Park entertain Chester this Saturday in what will be a most intruiging game.

Around the club I understand that the seconds returned to winning ways and Danny Baxter's thirds had a good victory over Preston Grasshoppers in a league encounter.

This Saturday, with no first XV on view, why not come along to Priory Park and support the seconds who play a Merit game against local rivals Broughton Park, before they travel to Vale of Lune the following week for what may be a Merit Table decider.

Kick-off this Saturday should be at 2.15pm, but it may be that an early start will be on the cards so that all can witness the international which kicks off at 4pm. Check by ringing 827899 before attending.

Along with several other supporters, Clubman is off to Twickenham this Saturday for what will be an immense Six Nations encounter with France and indeed I suspect that the winners of the game will be favourites for a 'Grand Slam'. In my years of watching England at Twickenham I have yet to taste defeat - the 26-26 draw against New Zealand some years ago being the only hiccup. Lets hope it remains that way come 5.30pm on Saturday!!

The arrangements for the 125 Dinner are well advanced and one of the hot items for this occasion is a limited edition silk club tie which is in the process of manufacture. They cost £15 and if you wish to have one please contact Peter Jones.

Again I take this opportunity to remind you all of the under-19 international at Priory Park on Friday, March 7, when England take on Italy under lights at 7pm.

Much work is going on behind the scenes at Priory Park to make this evening a success, and your attendance as supporters will make it all the better. Just £6 admission which includes programme and parking is too good value not to be there.

Games for Saturday:

1st XV - No Game

2nds v Broughton Park - Merit - Home

3rds v Broughton Park - League - Away

4ths . Broughton Park - Home

Vet's v Warrington - Away

Geoff Allen