RESULT: Firwood Waterloo 53 – 10 Macclesfield

On September 18, Macclesfield youth rugby club Macclesfield Colts took the fifty mile trip to Merseyside.

The long trip over was for the lads to take on Firwood Waterloo at their Crosby home ground.  A warm welcome from the hosts, with the game played on their main pitch.

This was the second game for the newly formed combined Colts (U17 and U18), and the lads are still getting to know each other's game play.  Still, within 3 minutes of the kick-off, Macclesfield took the ball straight into Waterloo's 22, pushing through the phases with a 'team try' [AKA reporter too far away].  Conversion missed in the coastal wind, 0 – 5.

The away ground. (Image - Firwood Waterloo RFC Facebook)

The lead was short-lived, as Waterloo regained the ball from the restart and camped in the Macclesfield half.  A lost scrum saw the Waterloo 8 pick and pass the ball out wide giving a try to Waterloo under the sticks.  Converted left it 7 – 0. 

It was looking like a close game on the field, however Macclesfield failed to capitalise on Waterloo mistakes, and they made the most of every Macclesfield mistake.  Several tries followed, with Waterloo maximising in the midfield.

As the break approached, Waterloo were pushing hard into the Macc 22, but a good turnover saw quick ball out the back passed out with Fin Arnold spotting the gaps and going over to give another try.  A narrowly missed conversion saw the score 32 – 10 at half time.

Callum

The second half saw a more determined effort from Macclesfield despite the deficit.  However,  leaky defence allowed Waterloo through on multiple occasions.

In summary, the score line doesn't reflect the effort and improvement from Macclesfield.  Waterloo made gains from small mistakes which can be worked on in the future.  Macclesfield didn't manage to gain from Waterloo's mistakes.  The lads know what they need to improve, and they will do so in the coming weeks!

Notable names, Charlie Barnes dropping into 9 unexpectedly and doing really well, Joe Moorcroft for a good all-round game and keeping the team lifted, Roan Elliot developing as stand-in team captain (for the injured Lucas Axton), but Man of the Match goes to No. 2 Callum "Chopsy" Chopping who Fronted up against a bigger pack, arrows on point & good scrummaging

Next week is a break, followed by Crewe and Nantwich at home (2nd October 2:00 PM Kick-off).

The local derby will be a great introduction for those unfamiliar with Macclesfield Rugby Club.

Colts Rugby is all about development and transition into Senior Rugby, hoping to make players to ensure the game keeps going! 

Anyone looking to join the Colts please contact Phil Mason ([email protected])