Another hard-fought defeat for Kirkby

The weathermen got it wrong yet again as Kirkby welcomed Macclesfield to Underley Park in miserable wet conditions. Kick off was at 1.30pm due to the community firework display that was to take part in the evening. Macclesfield started the game from the Clubhouse end in driving rain. Gathered by Kirkby but Macclesfield forwards were soon onto the attack and managed to gather the ball from the ensuing ruck. A fight back saw Kirkby holding their own until a break from the backs gave Mac their first try with only 5 minutes on the clock. 0-7.

The next 20 minutes saw some good attacking rugby from both teams with good handling despite the conditions. A break by Nicholson through the visitors line and a kick forward looked like the equaliser was on the cards but the ball rolled into touch. The line-out gave Mac the ball and a ruck on their 22 line left Briggs on the ground injured and had to be replaced.

The game moved downfield by the visitors and their heavier forwards drove on from just over the half way line to touch down their second try after 25 minutes.  Converted the score moved to 0-14. As play resumed the home side defended well and a good move along the backs saw Akrigg receive the ball and the line beckoned. The whistle blew for a forward pass. Mac took the ball in and Kirkby tackled hard to retain them before the referees whistle resulting in a red and yellow card being shown. The red to Weeks for allegedly upending a player and the Mac player for retaliation. A blow to Kirkby down to 14 men. Whilst the home team defended well the visitors forwards used their weight to produce another rolling maul for their third try. Kirkby had lost their shape and two more try's before half time saw the score move to 0-36.

Words from coaches Scott and Danny brought the home side out in attacking mode with good movement from both forwards and backs pressed the visitors into their own half until a break by their backs led to a breakaway try by their number 13 down the wing.

A further try was forthcoming 5 minutes later with Macclesfield's 'golden boot' converting both to take the visitors to 49 points. Kirkby's 14 could not fully compete with a dominant Macclesfield team and the weather, but fought on with the spirit they have shown all season.

A high tackle by the visitors saw a further yellow card but their pack went over for the 8th try with 15 minutes to full time. Kirkby were not yet finished as Oats intercepted a pass and chased off towards the try line only to be tackled by their full back and cleared.

A delightful cross kick saw the visitors wing gather and score their next try before the forwards added a further one to move the score to 70 points. Macclesfield added insult to injury as the final try was added as the full time whistle blew.

Their man of the match must be their goal kicker who had a 100 per cent record. Kirkby's penalty tally must have been in the teens which needs to be addressed as their open play is producing some good rugby and worthy of seeing more points on the board.

Manchester away next week will give another hard game but the lads will be up for it.

As seen by DJH