RU: While the weather did its level best to ruin the weekend, it can be safely said that Macclesfield Rugby Club was the overall winner after the events of Friday and Saturday at Priory Park.
Friday evening, of course, saw the eagerly-awaited Six Nations International between England and Italy at under-19 level, and a marvellous crowd turned up on an iffy evening to witness the occasion.
England won the game 32-7 after some initial pressure from the young Italians, but it was the hard work put in by the club - Commercial Manager Bill Roberts in particular - which made the match a big success. Those who oversaw the quality of the ground, supervised car parking and not least manned the gates to collect admissions should be congratulated.
In all, the evening reflected very well on MRUFC and its organisational ability, and many favourable comments were made not only by players and officials of both sides, but by those within the RFU itself.
From 'Clubman', well done to everyone and heartfelt thanks from club president Albert Simpson for all the hard work which continued into Saturday morning ahead of the Thwaites Bitter Cheshire Cup clash.
When Saturday came it was obvious from the start that the weather would dominate as it simply poured down all afternoon.
It was a credit to the players of both Macclesfield and Birkenhead Park - who made the effort to force an open game when everything was against them - and it was from the adventure in their back play that saw the ever-improving left wing Matt Smith in for his first hat-trick for the senior XV.
This will give him even more confidence to beat defences with a little space to work in. The pack, as usual, grafted in the mud to get the better of the Birkenhead eight, and we now progress into the semi-finals of the competition where we will meet one of Caldy (who beat New Brighton), Chester or Stockport, as Iain Taylor looks to add more cup glory.
Away from the first XV, the seconds were let down by Wilmslow on Saturday when the Pownall Park side cried off on Friday lunchtime.
On Sunday, Cheshire under-20s - with three Macclesfield players, skipper Jonathan Keep, Rick Hopkins (two tries) and Scott Watson - beat Cumbria (at Wilmslow!!) and continue on their way to a Twickenham final at the end of the season. In their way now are two tough away games against Yorkshire on March 23 and Lancashire on April 2.
On Saturday, March 29, before our final league game at Priory Park for this season, there will be a pre-match lunch - also the last of the season - from 12.30pm. Tickets, priced at £15, are available from Jim Sharp, and include match admission and a programme.
Fixtures for the weekend: Firsts v Huddersfield - League - Away - 3pm; Seconds - TBA; Thirds v Glossop - League - Home; Fourths v Glossop - Away; Vets v Manchester Vets.
Geoff Allen
