Services hold on for basement battle win

DEVONPORT Services held on to beat Macclesfield 38-34 in the basement battle at the Rectory.

- By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

It might be too late in the day for Services (27pts) to stave off the drop in National Two West, although the maths of their position suggests it is possible. Whether it is desirable after a season of frequent defeats, and costly trips up the M5 and M6, is another matter.

The game was Macclesfield's (37pts) chance to shoot clear of the drop spots, but they remain just five points ahead of second-bottom Bournville (33) with 30 points to play for. Even Exeter University (41pts) are not in the clear yet.

Bournville against the University and Services versus Bournville on the last day of the season could be relegation settlers one way or the other for them and those around them.

Services enjoyed a 19-5 lead midway through the second half and were 33-17 ahead going into the final quarter.

Macclesfield turned-up the wick in the latter stages, to earn two bonus points that could yet prove crucial.

Kieran Leach, Services' team manager, said the outcome should not have been as close as it was.

"It felt like we were doing our best to lose it at times," said Leach.

"For paying spectators it would have been great entertainment, but not from where I was standing.

"Defensively, it was not one of our better performances; we kept letting Macclesfield get back in the game.

"With 15 minutes to go we were 38-24 up; they scored two tries to earn two bonus points."