MACCLESFIELD RUFC hit the top of the Regional 1 North West after long-time leaders Rossendale suffered an unexpected defeat at Stockport.
While the Blues powered to a vital 41-5 victory over struggling Leek at Priory Park, their Lancashire rivals went down 34-33 thanks to a penalty from the last kick of the game.
The result puts Macclesfield’s fate in their own hands. After 18 games they are three points ahead of Rossendale with 84 points from 16 wins, one draw and one defeat.
Macclesfield and Rossendale were only separated by points difference after they battled it out in a 26-26 draw in a nail-biting contest in east Lancashire.
It was a result that seemed to see the promotion pendulum swing towards Rossendale. But that changed with their unexpected second defeat of the season.
Speaking after that game Macclesfield head coach Darren Lamond said: “It was good for the league, the boys had trained well for it, and while they respected them, they were fearless, which I think showed throughout.
“Whilst it was a draw, emotionally they all felt it as a loss, as we had left quite a few points out there. The boys should be proud of their performance, and learn again from it.”
Macclesfield will be without the highly-influential Brendan Berry for the rest of the season after he suffered knee damage in the game at Rossendale.