Macclesfield (Macc) vs Manchester U12 , 04 Dec 2011.

This was a game where Manchester showed tremendous courage, passion and determination in both attack and defence and fully deserved to draw the match. Indeed if a controversial disallowed try scored by Luke M had not been deemed by the referee to have been held up or if the last play (a scrum to Manchester) was allowed to be taken, they could easily have won the match.

1st Qtr 0:0

Manchester stood strong in defence against a well drilled Macc team with big forwards and some slick moves and handling skills by their backs. The qtr ended nil:nil and the Macc team and coaches knew that they were in a match!

2nd Qtr 5-5

Some strong running from the Manchester backline was equalled by solid defence from Macclesfield who took the lead. The equalising try was scored by Tom W where he ran down the wing to make the match even.

3rd Qtr 10-10

After some good rucking by the Manchester forwards, Tom W made a break for the line after an excellent pass by Tom J and Manchester went in to a deserved lead. However Macc came back as strong as ever to level the score line entering the final quarter.

4th Qtr 20-20

The game entered the final quarter and Macc established a two try lead with some good moves made by their backs. However some great scrummaging from the Manchester forwards, in particular Matt B, Ciaran (minus his expensive scrum cap), JP and Aidan helped secure possession and the match was levelled at 4-4. In the final minutes, Manchester stood strong and kept Macc out to earn a well deserved draw.

Manchester team and coaches can be proud of this result especially as many of the decisions did not go their way. With a bit more practice of support play for the player in possession and structure in defence they can develop into a stronger team and look forward with confidence heading towards Christmas.