Match Report

Kendal 2s v Macclesfield Lions

15th November, 2008

Kendal 12 v Lions 27

Lions Struggle to Overcome Kendal 

Macclesfield Lions travelled up to Cumbria to play Kendal on a fine winter's afternoon. Though they comfortably won the game they were disappointed with their performance, which was the worst of the season. Hopefully lessons are learned!

The game didn't start well for the Lions and they had to rely on a fine tackle by debutant Swetman to keep the scores level in the early stages. After this the Lions forwards began to gain the upper hand and the dead-lock was broken after 15 minutes when Finton Kerr scored his first try of the season from a close-in drive. 10 minutes later Roberts scored a second after a good scrummage. He added the conversion and with a 12 point lead the Lions should have pressed on. They did create a number of opportunities – none were taken though and the half finished 12 – 0 to the Lions.

At half-time the importance of the next score was stressed. Despite the warnings the Lions allowed Kendal into the game with a converted try at the start of the second period. The Lions responded well though and put together their best period of the game. Another debutant Laing scored a fine after 50 minutes and less than 10 minutes later the third and final debutant Needham also crossed the line.

At 22 – 7 ahead the Lions again had the platform to pull away from their hosts. Yet again they wasted chances and Kendal closed the gap with a fine breakaway try as the game moved into the final quarter. The Lions again responded and completed the game with a fine try well finished by Needham.       

Although disappointed with the performance the Lions were pleased with a win away from home. A positive discussion was held after the whistle which will hopefully lead to a return to the form of the previous games. Next week the Lions return to Priory Park to play Liverpool St Helens, kick off at 2.30pm.   

Team: J. Craine, I. Taylor, F. Kerr, I. Lear, J. Bostock, N. Keane, R. Jones, D. Hopkins, D. Needham, I. Roberts, J. Taylor, P. Laing, F. Owens, T. Kanauros & D. Swetman. Subs. A. Donaldson, G. Morrisey & G. Coote.

Match Report

Macclesfield Lions v Caldy 2s

8th November, 2008

Lions 34 v Caldy 13

Goodfellow is Top Cat for the Lions 

Macclesfield Lions beat a good Caldy side on an overcast & windy winter's afternoon at Priory Park. The Lions played reasonably well and monopolised possession, however Caldy defended stoutly and counter attacked with good skill & pace to ensure the game was competitive throughout.

The Lions opened the scoring after 10 minutes from their first period of concerted pressure. Caldy were forced into a hurried clearance. Hopkins took a quick line out which Coote & Barker quickly transferred to put in McDermott. Roberts added the conversion and the Lions led 7 – 0. The stage seemed set for the Lions to pull away. However they were guilty of playing too much rugby in their own half and Caldy capitalised on a breakaway to get themselves into the game with an unconverted try after 15 minutes. Soon after they should have scored again but great defensive work from Hardwick denied them. They did take the lead after 20 minutes with a penalty. At this stage Caldy were playing well and the Lions less so. Captain Bartle rallied his troops and pleasingly they didn't panic. Gradually they gained back the upper hand through the efforts of their forwards. This culminated in a try for Sayce on half-time, after a couple of easier opportunities were turned down. 12 – 8 to the Lions at the turnaround and all to play for!

Certain that their mid-half slump was behind them and with the benefit of the wind in the second half the Lions were confident they'd extend their lead. They were soon proved right as Caldy messed up the kick off. From the resultant scrum Sayce picked up and transferred the ball to Nettel who smashed over. Roberts converted and the Lions had some breathing space at 19 – 8. 10 minutes later the Lions won a scrum against the head deep in Caldy territory and Sayce capitalised to score his second.

Caldy refused to lie down and scored a fine try when their stocky hooker ran in a score from some distance as the game moved into the final quarter. The Lions responded almost immediately when Roberts capitalised on good support to fool the defence and race away. He converted and then added the final score with a penalty. As the game drew to a close Bostock was unluckily yellow carded for a handling offence, no matter as the Lions comfortably played out the final minutes and ran out 34 - 13 winners.

This was another solid win for the Lions against competent opponents. The forwards take the honours this week. As ever, it seems, the back row were superb. Keane, Bostock & later Roddy excelled in the second row and the front row dominated their opponents with Latham, on his first start of the season due to injury, putting in a robust display & Moss taking full advantage of his 80 minutes. However MOTM was Goodfellow for a good all round display capped by some destructive scrummaging. Next week the Lions make the trek up to Kendal - kick off 2.30pm.

Team: B. Lathem, S. Moss, S. Goodfellow, N Keane, J. Bostock, D. Hopkins, A. Nettel, E. Sayce, G. Coote, I. Roberts, N. Barker, P. Bartle (c), G. McDermott, P. Hardwick & P. Macey. Subs. F. Kerr, C. Roddy & T. Kanauros.

Match Report

Macclesfield Lions v Manchester 2s

1st November, 2008

Lions 42 v Manchester 12

Manchester Mauled by Lions!  

Macclesfield Lions beat a combative Manchester side on a sunny but cool autumnal afternoon at Priory Park. After narrowly beating the same opponents in the cup a fortnight ago the Lions expected a "fired up" Manchester seeking revenge. However the Lions never really allowed their opponents into the game and ran out comfortable winners.

The Lions made a strong start and opened the scoring after only 2 minutes. Returning full back Macey made the initial break with an excellent kick & chase, allowing Lear to crash over. Fly half Roberts soon extended the lead with a drop goal and then a penalty. On 20 minutes the Lions scored their 2nd try when Captain Bartle's exquisite chip ahead breached the Manchester defence. Watt, returning to senior action after over a year out with injury, exploited the space to score. Roberts converted and the lead was 18 – 0. As half-time approached Manchester broke away and entered the Lions 22 for the first time. They fully capitalised on the break with a well worked try to give a half-time score of 18 – 5.

The Lions were a little disappointed that their superiority was not reflected on the scoreboard. However this was soon corrected in the second half when McDermott finished off classy move under the posts after 50 minutes. Roberts again converted and the lead was stretched to 25 – 5.

As the game reached the final quarter it degenerated a little. Hopkins & Craine were playing against former team-mates and were subject to some "robust challenges" throughout. This culminated in a scuffle which the Manchester loose head comprehensively lost. He unfortunately had to leave the field and unopposed scrummaging following. During this period Manchester also suffered 3 further injuries and as they only travelled with 16 it meant they finished the game with only 12 players.

The Lions struggled to maintain composure and focus during all the stoppages. They did score 3 further tries as the game fizzled out. Firstly Lear added his second following good driving play. Bostock repeated the trick soon after (converted by Roberts) and then McDermott score a fine effort – his 6th of the season as he leads the try scoring list. On the final whistle Manchester scored a deserved try to give a final score of 42 – 12.     

This was a very good win the Lions, particularly in the first hour before all the stoppages. They were always in control and didn't allow their opponents a foothold in the game. With Taylor, Lear, Keane & Hopkins "bossing" the line-out and Sayce & Nettel tidying the kick offs the set-piece was secure, though some work is required on the scrummage "hit". Given this platform half backs Coote & Roberts controlled the game well. Full back Macey took MOTM for a flawless display and even Barker did well despite his late night! With Finton Kerr, James Watt, Fergus Owens & Ben Latham all contributing positively on their return from injury, places will be at a premium for next week's home game against Caldy - kick off 2.30pm.

Team: G. Craine, I. Taylor, F. Kerr, N Keane, I. Lear, D. Hopkins, A. Nettel, E. Sayce, G. Coote, I. Roberts, N. Barker, P. Bartle (c), G. McDermott, J. Watts & P. Macey. Subs. B. Latham, J. Bostock & F. Owens.

Match Report

Birkenhead Park 2s v Macclesfield Lions

25th October, 2008

Park 3 v Lions 44

Lions Rampant at the Park  

Macclesfield Lions travelled across to Birkenhead on an overcast afternoon to play a Park side which has enjoyed a good start to the season. Fearing the worst on the weather front the Lions were pleasantly surprised that on arrival they found the bad weather had passed through and the game was played in reasonable, though windy, conditions on a good pitch.

Captain Bostock ensured the Lions were totally focused and a magnificent sustained period of attack was unleashed on Park from the start. After just 2 minutes half backs Roberts & Coote put Goodfellow in space. He assessed his options, gave a hip swivel and decided to take the shortest route to the line for the initial score. This was quickly followed by another good team try as the impressive Keep was put in the clear. He fed Taylor who scored in the corner. Finally, during this period, another Keep break was followed up by Rosser who crashed over under the posts. With Roberts converting a couple of times the Lions were 19 – 0 ahead inside 10 minutes.

To their credit Park responded well. Their more experienced players slowed the game down by whatever means possible and they managed to get their forwards into the game. During this period they knocked over a penalty and Keep had to retire with a knee injury. The Lions though recovered their verve towards the end of the half and finished it in the ascendancy once again. However this time the resistance was more competitive and they could only add a Roberts penalty to finish the half 22 – 3 ahead.    

The second half was a replica of the first, with the Lions again on the rampage at the start. With the wind against them the ball was kept in hand more and they quickly killed the game off. Following a number of good set pieces Coote was released from a close in scrum to scamper over after 45 minutes. This was quickly followed by the try of the game - Lear stole line out ball, Hopkins tidied, Nettel made the decisive break, Lindsay continued the move and fed McDermott who sped over. Fifteen minutes into the half Sayce scored a push-over. With this the Lions had extended their lead to 37 – 3.

At this stage the game degenerated again into a scrappy affair with the whistle dominating. The Lions put together a few more good phrases, one of which resulted in another Coote try from another close scrum. Roberts converted to give a final score of 44 – 3 to the Lions. 

This was a good win on the road for the Lions against opponents that were never really allowed into the game. The Lions set piece was very good; the front row of Craine, Rosser, Goodfellow & replacement Poyser always had the upper hand and in the line-out Lear & Bostock dominated. At times the attacking play was outstanding and, as always, the defence was organised & aggressive. Following a couple of weeks of Pete Hardwick taking the MOTM, this week it was the turn of David Hopkins. He put in the type of display to match his "Neanderthal" appearance – plenty of uncompromising "grunt" & aggression. Thanks also to Tom Winskil for stepping in at the last minute. Next week the Lions return to Priory Park for a 2.30pm Kick Off against Manchester.

Team: G. Craine, M. Rosser, S. Goodfellow, J. Bostock (c), I. Lear, D. Hopkins, A. Nettel, E. Sayce, G. Coote, I. Roberts, P. Hardwick, G. McDermott, J. Taylor, T. Winskil & T. Winskil. Subs. C. Hehir, J. Poyser & S. Lindsay.

Match Report

Macclesfield Lions v Manchester 2s

Halbro Cup

18th October, 2008

Lions 29 v Manchester 17

"The Meat" Feeds the Lions  

Macclesfield Lions beat local rivals Manchester in the 1st Round of the Halbro Cup at an overcast Priory Park. Manchester have had some inconsistent results so far this season, however the Lions fully expected a competitive game and this is exactly what they got.

With the 1st Team also at home the match was played on the second pitch with the wind against the Lions in the first half. Manchester used the conditions well and enjoyed the territorial advantage during this period. They opened the scoring with a well taken penalty after 5 minutes. The Lions though were playing patiently and replied 5 minutes later with a McDermott try. This followed a good catch & drive and some inspired play from Kanauros. 10 minutes later Kanauros was again the catalyst for a 2nd Lions try with his wonderful kick, chase & pass to Nettel, who raced clear to score. Roberts converted both and the Lions led 14 – 3. For the remainder of the half both teams struggled for set-piece supremacy and the defences dominated.

The second half began as the first half ended and it took a yellow card 15 minutes into the half for the game to be opened up; Bostock, being the unfortunate recipient of a yellow card for a handling offence. Manchester quickly took advantage and scored a converted try, making it 14 – 10. The Lions response was impressive as they worked their way down the pitch. Bartle skilfully broke through and put Rosser clear. He was stopped just short but recycled the ball for Keane to smash over. In a see-saw period Manchester too showed their character and scored another converted try.

19 – 17 then to the Lions who were now back to a full complement and had 15 minutes remaining to secure their victory. During this period the Lions defence again stepped "up to the mark" and recovered the intensity & organisation which went missing whilst a man down. With 10 minutes left Roberts knocked over a penalty and 2 minutes later defensive pressure caused some sloppy Manchester passing. McDermott cleverly intercepted and galloped away to score under the posts. Roberts converted and the Lions had stretched their lead to 29 – 17. Despite being under strong pressure from both the whistle and their opponents in the closing period the Lions held on to ensure they progress to the next round.  

This was another good win for the Lions against competent and competitive opponents, in which their defending was again the highlight. The Lions were under pressure on their set-piece and as Manchester successfully slowed a lot of ball not enough was seen of their attack. However the limited chances on offer were competently taken. MOTM for a flawless game including some terrific tackling was Pete "the Meat" Hardwick. Next week the Lions return to league action with a trip to Birkenhead Park and in 2 weeks time they return to Priory Park to meet Manchester again, this time in the league.

Team: S. Goodfellow, M. Rosser, J. Poyser, J. Bostock, N. Keane, R. Jones (c), A. Nettel, D. Hopkins, N. Barker, I. Roberts, P. Hardwick, P. Bartle, J. Taylor, T. Kanauros & G. McDermott. Subs. C. Hehir, C. Roddy & G. Coote.

Match Report

Macclesfield Lions v Fylde 2s

11th October, 2008

Lions 32 v Fylde 11

Lions Roar Back! 

Macclesfield Lions welcomed Fylde to Priory Park on a wet but warm afternoon. Fylde arrived with an unbeaten record, which included notable wins against Manchester and Sedgley Park and the Lions were coming off the back of a disappointing loss at Sedgley. So a competitive game was promised and the Lions didn't disappoint as they tore into their opponents with a quality display. Their defence was particularly ferocious and their attack good enough for 5 well taken tries.

In the first half Fylde played with the conditions and as befits a side with a 100% record they started well and on 10 minutes took the lead with a well taken drop goal. The Lions came roaring back and good scavenging work by the tireless Nettel put Kanauros in space. He pulled a chip & chase from his box of tricks and comfortably won the chase to the line. Fylde retook the lead with a penalty after 20 minutes only for the Lions to hit back again a couple of minutes later with their best try of the game. Good set piece ball was won, Bartle smashed across the gain-line, the pack supported aggressively, the quick ball was well used, Kanauros held the defence and Allen delightfully put through Hardwick who crashed over. For the remainder of the half the Lions held the upper hand, however no further scores were added as one or two handling errors creep in – perhaps not surprising given the greasy conditions.

With a 10 – 6 score at half-time the game was still in the balance, however the Lions were confident as they'd rebuffed the positive start made by their opponents, knew they could reduce their errors, had the advantage of the conditions and were fitter. This was soon proved to be the case as after 5 minutes Nettel made ground from a quick penalty. Kanauros continued the move only to be stopped inches short. No matter, the Lions didn't panic, recycled the ball and moved it to the opposite wing for Hardwick to touch down. 10 minutes later Sayce did very well to make good a wheeled scrum in the Fylde 22. He too was stopped just short, however Captain Jones back up well to touch down. Roberts found his kicking boots to add the conversion and the Lions now led 22 – 6.

Fylde responded well and scored their only try with a quarter of the game to go as they were given the benefit of the doubt from a close range scrum. Roberts responded soon after when he knocked over a good penalty. Finally with 10 minutes remaining Roberts put up an excellent kick. To the amusement of the crowd the Fylde full back and wing ran into each other leaving Barker to touch down. Roberts again converted for a final score of 32 – 11.           

This was an excellent win for the Lions who bounced back impressively from last week's reverse. Their defence was outstanding, both for the individual intensity and collective organisation. In possession they have extremely talented and athletic individuals who can and will capitalise on opportunities. Their control and patience were at times also impressive, though more work is still required on this, likewise the set-piece which was still a little inconsistent. If these improvements can be made and they can match the standard set in this performance an exciting season should ensue in a competitive league.

Next week the Lions are at home to Manchester in the Halbro Cup. Kick off time is TBA so please check with the club.  

Team: G. Crane, P. Allen, J. Poyser, C. Roddy, N. Keane, R. Jones (c), A. Nettel, E. Sayce, S. Lindsay, I. Roberts, P. Hardwick, P. Bartle, G. Mosey, T. Kanauros & N. Barker. Subs. J. Bostock, T. Kerr & J. Taylor.

Match Report

Sedgley Park 2s v Macclesfield Lions

4th October, 2008

Park 20 v Lions 15

Lions brought to heel! 

Macclesfield Lions travelled across to league champions Sedgley Park and suffered their first defeat of the season in a very competitive, good quality game. Unfortunately the Lions couldn't recover from a poor start and in the end just fell short in a contest which they could have won.

Park played with the wind & slope in the first half and used the conditions well to build up a commanding lead. After 7 minutes they opened the scoring with a penalty. On the quarter hour they benefited from a couple of missed tackles to score in the corner and stretch their lead to 8 – 0. 5 minutes later they again scored a try which should have been stopped. This time it was converted and at 15 – 0 with only a quarter of the game played the Lions looked a beaten side. Some harsh words were said and the response for the rest of the game was pleasing.

On the half hour the excellent Sayce combined with Skipper Jones who crashed over to get the Lions on the board. Park were playing well though and responded a couple of minutes before half-time with what proved to be the deciding score when their speedy winger outpaced the Lions defence to cross for a fine try. 20 – 5 to the home side at half-time and despite the improvement throughout the half more was required if the Lions were to claw back into the game.

During the second half the forwards in particularly rose to the challenge and won ample ball, however despite creating some promising positions the finishing touches could not be applied. A lot of credit for this must go to the Park defence which was well-organised and competitive though the Lions were disappointed they could not take their chances. Finally with 15 minutes to go Skipper Jones again showed the way and scored under the post after a good break by Lindsay. Roberts converted and the score closed to 20 - 12. The Lions continued to apply pressure and with 3 minutes remaining Roberts knocked over a penalty to enable the Lions to get within a score. However despite some enterprising play the Lions couldn't get the score they needed in the limited time.

Although they were playing at the Champions and recovered from an insipid start the Lions were disappointed at the end as they felt they had secured enough ball to have won the game. The forwards can be pleased with their "shift". The back row trio of Nettel, Sayce & MOTM Jones were particularly impressive. Individually and collectively the backs did not quite reach their high standards. Both units will need to be at the top of their game next week as the Lions are at home to Fylde, the only unbeaten side in the league.

Team: G. Crane, I. Taylor, F. Kerr, C. Roddy, D. Hopkins, R. Jones (c), A. Nettel, E. Sayce, S. Lindsay, I. Roberts, P. Hardwick, R. Chadwick, F. Owens, T. Kanauros & J. Keep. Subs. J. Bostock, T. Kerr & G. Mosey.

Match Report

Macclesfield Lions v Leigh 2s

27th September, 2008

Lions 71 v Leigh 0

Lions on the Rampage! 

On yet another glorious late summer day Macclesfield Lions soundly beat a committed Leigh side at Priory Park. The Lions played with a very high level of pace, intensity, control & skill and most pleasing for the Team Management they maintained it throughout the game.

Captain Kerr got the Lions off to a great start with the 1st Try after only 5 minutes and for the next 20 or so minutes the Lions put on a scintillating display, during which they scored another 4 tries from Keep, Owens & a brace from Sayce. Leigh didn't let heads drop and actually had their best spell of the game in the 10 minutes before half-time. However, with Roberts adding 4 conversions and a penalty the score at the break was 36 – 0 to the Lions.

Often with such one-sided scores standards can slip. The Lions though were in rampant mood and didn't let this happen, matching their first half efforts with another 5 tries. The scorers this time being Barker, 2 from Kanauros and 2nd tries for Owens & Keep. With Roberts striking the ball confidently all 5 were converted to give a final score of 71 – 0.

This was a pleasing display with almost all areas of play functioning well and all individuals contributing positively. Up front Poyser, Kerr F, Taylor & later Rosser ensured the scrummage was a mis-match, Roddy ruled the line-out, Sayce & Bostock bossed the re-starts, the rucking & mauling was aggressive and defensively Leigh couldn't live with the intensity of the Lions. Given such a platform the half-back pairing Barker & Roberts were able to control the game and release the exciting back-line almost at will. In the second-half Bartle, Rosser & Jones all came off the bench to positive effect and emphasised the strength in depth currently in the squad. Mention also to Coote on debut, who due to an injury in warm-up was pressed into service on the wing. This didn't faze him and he showed what a prospect he is, particularly in the second half when he had a run at Scrum Half.

As to MOTM it was almost impossible to pick anybody out, however by common consent the teenage rampage that is Adam Nettel just edged out Chadwick, Keep & Barker. Next week the Lions are away at Champions Sedgley Park. This will be a severe test for the Lions and one they are looking forward to.

Team: J. Poyser, I. Taylor, F. Kerr, C. Roddy, J. Bostock, T. Kerr (c), A. Nettel, E. Sayce, N. Barker, I. Roberts, G. Coote, R. Chadwick, F. Owens, T. Kanauros & J. Keep. Subs. M. Rosser, R. Jones & P. Bartle.<