Macclesfield girls returned to rugby union action on Sunday, with a Merit League game against Manchester. From the start Macclesfield were on the attack, the ball passing through numerous hands to set up Izzy Greer to score on her debut. Manchester found it difficult to get into attacking positions due to Macclesfield’s strong defence. Fullback, Rachael Marriot on two occasions came close to scoring only to be brought down close to the line. Eventually, the pressure told and Jo Brown scored in the corner. As the half came to a close the Manchester winger scored from deep after Macclesfield lost the ball close to their opponent’s line.
The second half started, with three quick tries for Manchester. It was now Macclesfield who were struggling to get onto the front foot. The darting runs of Pip Gregory and the more direct style of Liberty Crawford started to bring Macclesfield back into the game. Before Sandy Rushton put out a telling pass to the ever dangerous Izzy Greer who scored a fine individual try. Despite Macclesfield going close again, it was Manchester who sealed the game with a late try. The 30 – 17 result was poor reward for the attacking skill and defensive efforts of the Macclesfield team.
Team: Rachael Marriot, Annabel Malkin, Izzy Greer, Ellie Sneesby, Sandy Rushton, Pip Gregory, Ruby Rees, Megan Cooper, Elisha Bradley, Liberty Crawford.
