In a first league meeting for 30 years and with former teammates present this match had all the ingredients to be an intriguing encounter. After last weeks disappointment Port needed a reaction but it was Macc who drew first blood with a try in the opening ten minutes after a good drive from their forward pack. 0-7 (try conv).
The phases continued from the away team as missed tackles through the middle almost had Macc in at the comer. The pressure was relieved with a penalty to Port for an off the feet infringement. A chance to breathe.
A brilliant break from Sam Graham and some slick hands between Jack Martin and Calum Owen led to a try for the full back. Clinical. 5-7 (conv. missed).
With a foothold in the game Ben Dearing delivered a wonderful 50-22 aided by the bounce of the ball. However, the long line out throw didn't find its intended target and the chance was gone.
It was Macc's turn to deliver a 50-22 and they utilised this platform to score what they thought was their second try. However the referee deemed the extra stretch as a double movement.
From the penalty, Port lost the line out and again found themselves under the pump. It was Macc's turn to concede a penalty and another penetrating run from Calum Owen gave Port a line out close to the Macc line. Some 'stick it up your jumper' rugby and Matt Lawrovitsch was over. 'That's better' was the call from the lads.12-7 (try conv).
After more Macc possession Port called for a line out instead of a scrum and the chance to put daylight between the teams was gone as the line out faltered. Half time.
Tom Mantel! was now on as Macc missed a great chance to score with a knock on. It felt as though the possession stats were 70/30 in Macc's favour so credit to Port that they were clinical with ball in hand.
Port fell off a few tackles and Macc went in under the posts to regain the lead. 12-14 (try conv). However the lead wasn't held for long as Macc were punished for going over the ball. Ewan Holt duly slotted the penalty kick between the uprights. 15-14
The away side continued in determined vein, keen to post their first win of the season after a tough 2 point loss to Sandbach last week. It was Port's turn to take advantage after a strong scrum, Si Green scored to give Port a cushion but not the comfiest one. 22-14 (try cony).
The boys in blue gained forward momentum and reduced the deficit to just one point. It's worth noting that the referee had a near flawless match. 22-21 (try conv).
It really was now a tight game and players and fans alike were nervous for the final rights of this close encounter. The atmosphere pitch side from both sets of supporters had bucket loads of banter and yet respect too. Port lost a line out in Macc's 22 and somehow they go pretty much the full length of the pitch to score. 22-28 (try conv). Port showed character to shrug off the disappointment of conceding and carve out a try of their own to lead by one point again going into the final 5. 29-28 (try conv). The game looked within Ports grasp and this was highlighted with a penalty and a chance to kill the match with some game management on the oppositions line. Failure to secure ball from the line out resulted in Macclesfield going the full length of the pitch to score in the final minute...Heartbreak. Final score 29-35.
Speaking with coach Keith and some of the players afterwards the overall consensus was that it was a missed opportunity. 'You can't expect to be on top conceding 10 penalties in a half of rugby.. (coach Keith). The focus now turns to the Manchester away fixture in a couple of weeks time and word on the ground that both Rory's will be back provides a timely squad boost. A win and a good performance at Manchester will get Port's season back on track!