Tigers take a Mauling in the Mudbath at Macc

Game 1:
Macclesfield 4v1 MRC

Game 1 saw Harrison leading the Tigers out to face a tough team in Macclesfield and so it proved. With the first play of the game, Macc spread the ball wide and went over in the corner to start the scoring. Though this woke the Tigers up they could not find a way through the Macc defence throughout the first half and as half time approached, a lapse of concentration saw Macc again over the Manchester line to go in 2v0.

With a full team change, the Tigers came out determined to make up for the slow start and within minutes Josh had halved the deficit with another of his jinxing runs. The Tigers could not keep the momentum though and with Killer clutching his face, Macc took advantage of the extra man, ran the ball through their back line and were over again to take the score to 3v1. Yet again the Tigers regrouped but with very little forward running, they were always playing catch up and when the ball was turned over in the middle of the park, Macc were quickest to react and run over for their fourth of the day.

Game2:
Macclesfield 5v5 MRC

With both sides warmed up, the Tigers were eager to make amends for their first game defeat and they came out rampant with Killer, Joe and Eddie taking the game to Macc with hard tackling which secured turnover ball for the first time in the day. This gave Josh and Luke the chance to dance and they both got on with running hard and fast at the Macc defensive line. It was Josh who made the breakthroughs and he secured two tries in the half to keep Macc playing catch up throughout the half. A rare penalty was awarded to the Tigers and Ethan stepped up to receive the pass. With great running, Ethan powered over to give Manchester the lead once more, but straight from the restart Macc drove the Tigers back and scored as the referee blew for half time.

3v3 and all to play for with the Tigers again rotating the whole side for the second half. The Tigers were up for this game and every player was playing for pride against a very worthy opposition. First to set his stall out was Luke who was dogged in both defence and attack all day. From the breakdown the ball popped out of the side and Luke was off. He dodged, swerved and sprinted over to retake the lead for Manchester. yet again straight from the restart, Macc were attacking and playing line to line rugby. The Tigers were guilty of all drifting in towards the ball and Macc went round the outside to level yet again. Who would be next to step up to the mark, we didn't have to wait long to find out. James was on hand to take a great pass from Josh and then he was off, his legs pumping as he drove through the heart of the Macc defence to register his first of the day and take Manchester back to the top. With the game deep in the depth of overtime, Macc threw everything at the Tigers line and thoughts of a victory were on the lips of all watching. It was not to be though with yet another loose ball allowing Macc to level and they were unlucky not to take the game with the last play as Louis pushed his Macc opposite number into touch as the referee blew the final whistle.

Compelling rugby with lots to be happy about. Today's frostbitten Tigers were (tries in brackets): Josh(3), Eddie, Ollie, Joseph, Harrison, Myles, Ethan(1), Charles, Joe, James(1), Bruno, Louis, Bill, William, Thomas, Matt, Alex and Luke (1).

Next Sunday we travel to St Helens to take on West Park, a side that we have not had the pleasure of playing to date. Please let John know who is available and we will see you there at 10a.m. Thanks, Ian