Season of success for Macc women

MOVING into a national league structure after several years of inner warrior rugby has been a resounding success for Macclesfield Women RUFC.

- BY DAVID WILKINSON

The team finished as runners-up to Sale 1861 who pipped Macclesfield by a point to win NC3 North (South) title.

The team's only league defeat came against a strong Sale second team in September.

Prior to Christmas the side had won six of their seven league matches and were knocked out in round two of the Papa John's Junior Cup in an entertaining game by Scunthorpe who are a national league two side.

The beginning of the season had started with wins over Wirral, Moor and Glossop.

The team overcame the opposition by playing a quick rucking game and moving the ball swiftly to a set of rapid and skilful backs.

Oldershaw were comprehensively defeated before Macclesfield hosted Sale 1861.

Macclesfield put in a brave performance against the league leaders.

Sale were excellent in all areas of the game, as would be expected of a team that aspires of playing in higher leagues.

Mel Bramley commented at the time: "We knew it was going to be a tough game against an organised, experienced and determined Sale team.

"There were few gaps for us to exploit and Sale were resolute in defence.

"It was a game that has taught us a lot and we look forward to the challenge of the away fixture in the New Year.

"Weather conditions prevented the team playing Ormskirk and Stockport, so the team had a four-week gap before putting in an excellent performance against a strong Liverpool team in their last outing before the Christmas break.

With over 35 players now signed up to play, numbers at training have been excellent and this year the side introduced Thursday night sessions on match weeks, enabling the team to focus on certain aspects of play and go through team runs.

This has been helped with the women engaging in joint training with the men's Second XV, training at a pace they would not normally face within a match. To our knowledge this is unique.