Macclesfield RFC are currently in the driving seat of National League 2 (North), at the top of the table, with 130 league points from the 29 games played, including 23 bonus points.

They have scored 147 tries in those games, conceded only 61 tries, scoring on average 36 points per game, whilst conceding only 16 points per game.

They possess the league’s top try scorer in No.8 Ryan Parkinson, who has amassed 32 tries and from a kicking perspective, No. 10 Thomas Eaton has kicked 195 points (81 conversions and 11 penalties).

In their pack, they have some big, solid citizens, epitomised by second row Dean Williams, who stands at 7’ tall, weighing in at over 20 stones and in the backs winger Ed Stobart has weighed in with 23 tries.

In the corresponding game at Priory Park on the first day of this season back in early September 2013, Macclesfield RFC ran out deserved winners (30 – 19), with DMPRFC hampered by 4 first half injuries, with all of the injured players being replaced. The half-time score of 22 – 7 reflected that impact and although DMPRFC shaved the second half (8 – 12), Macclesfield RFC had already done enough for the win.

Macclesfield RFC did not have a game last week, but a key figure was seen lurking in the clubhouse and on the terraces of Dore Moor, no doubt fine tuning tactics.

Turning to that game, DMPRFC demolished an already relegated Sheffield Tigers RFC on their own patch (5 – 69) scoring 11 tries in a one-sided encounter, but all credit to the Tigers, they never gave in on the day and battled to the end.

Tries from Shaun McCARTNEY, Chris PEACE, Ollie HODGSON (3), Will MACAULAY, Henry ROBINSON, Max CONNON, Zylon McGAFFIN and skipper Cameron MITCHELL and a penalty try, together with 7 conversions from Tom HODGSON were enough, increasing the points difference to the league tally.

Competition for places in the match day squad will be fierce in training during the week, with all players anxious to be involved in what should be a very combative game against quality opponents.

A lot has been said about the game and there are numerous possibilities with calculators used to work out statistics, permutations and odds, however, it will come down to whoever wants it more on the day, as all these facts and figures will count for nothing.

Harrogate RFC entertain Stourbridge RFC at Claro Road and although there will be an eye kept on that game, there is nothing anyone at either DMPRFC or Macclesfield can do to influence the outcome of that fixture.

Whoever wins the title or is involved in the play-off with the runner up of SSE National League 2 (South) (looking like Ampthill & District RFC at the moment), whether it be DMPRFC, Macclesfield or Stourbridge – it will be certainly well deserved, as the season has been fantastic.

For details of all the days events please click the link below:
Arena Open Day

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