Cheshire Independent Issue 196

JANUARY 2025 20 LOCAL RUGBY ROUND-UP Independent LOCAL SPORT MACCLESFIELD boss Robbie Savage is call- ing on his side to put the heartbreak of their FA Trophy defeat at Altrin- cham behind them and to go on and win promotion to the National League. The Silkmenwent out of the competition 4-2 on penalties after the derby clash finished goalless over 90 minutes, fol- lowing a battling performance that saw themplay 70 of those minutes with 10 men. Skipper Paul Dawson saw red after an altercation with Altrincham’s Matty Kosylo but despite that the visitors from the Northern Premier League kept taking the game to their National League hosts in front of more than 1,000 travelling fans. Speaking after the game, Savage said: “In my time as first team head coach I’ve never been so proud of the group. “I thought they were By Rhys Fullerton SANDBACH held off a spirited second half fight- back by visitors North- wich to maintain their winning streak. They eventually triumphed 32-19 in the Northern Divi- sion Regional 2 North West clash against their close neighbours. Sandbach started the game in second place, one point behind leaders Firwood Waterloo who have a game in hand. Elliot Morris scored the home side’s first try of the afternoon from a maul that emerged from a 10m lineout. Winger Matt Randle then went over the tryline with ease after a break from scrum-half Laurie Essenhigh. With six minutes left of the half, Northwich got their first points of the day, squeezing. over for the try under the posts. An easy kick narrowed the scores to 13-7. Sandbach delivered the perfect response a few min- utes later as Ryan Arundale received the ball and he drove over to secure the points. An excellent kick from Randle increased the lead and at half-time Sandbach led 20-7. Northwich kicked off the second half and they looked much sharper early on. MACCLESFIELD will play host to the SAFIB Centenary Shield fixture between England U18 Schoolboys v Wales U18 Schoolboys next year. The game will take place at the Leasing.com Stadium on Friday April 11 with tickets for the game priced at £10 for adults and £7 concessions. The England U18 Schoolboys’squadwill be trav- eling to Macclesfield for their secondhome fixtureof 2025. It will be their first visit to the venue for an international game and English Schools’ FA officials are excited to be bringing the country’s young talent to the town and hope a bumper crowdwill turn out to support the young stars. The SAFIBCentenary shield, which was first contested in 1973, is an international com- petition between under 18 schoolboy squads fromacross the home nations and the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland are the reigning champions of the shield, taking the title from England who shared victory withWales in 2023. ESFA chair Nick Loftus said: “It is always a pleasure for the ESFA to attend new grounds and I hope that the enthusias- tic Macclesfield FC fans, local schools and residentswill sup- port this exciting fixture in the schoolboys’calendar. “Each SAFIB Centenary Shield fixture is a tribute to the hardwork anddedication that goes into creating the ESFA’s international programme and to the many schoolboys that have represented England over the decades. “I hope that the U18 players thisseasontakefulladvantage of their status as international schoolboy players and inspire others too. “I would like to thank all those people who have an interest in and who support the ESFA’s international pro- gramme, particularly the team at Macclesfield FC who will be working hard to create a memorable experience for all involved and I look forward to welcoming many fans along to the game inApril.” Macclesfield head coach Robbie Savage, said: “We are delighted to be able to play host to the SAFIB Centenary Shield at the Leasing.com Stadium between England andWales. “I played for all the Welsh age groups during my career and scored for the U15 school boysagainstEnglandatFilbert Street, so I amawareof thehis- tory behind these events. “Everyone associated with the club is privileged to be able to play their part in the event. I urge supporters across our community as well as our fantastic Silkmen fans to come down and watch the next generation put on a show.” Sandbach dig deep in five-try win However, seven minutes in a kick chase in the away side’s 22 tricked everyone apart from Randle, who took the ball and eased over for his second try. An outstanding long range solo effort from Mor- ris followed less than 10 min- utes later. It was now Northwich’s turn now to apply some pressure and they eventually forced their way into Sand- bach’s half to score their sec- ond try. A yellow card to Sandbach sawMorris sent to the sin bin for a high tackle and North- wich capitalised as they went over on the wing for a further five points. At 32-19, Northwich clearly had their sights on a bonus point or more and it was now down to Sandbach to knuckle down and see the game out despite strong pres- sure from the visitors. Northwich played like they had nothing to lose and you would expect this to galvanise them for the rest of the season. Sandbach had to dig deep in the second half and this was the type of performance that the team will gain vital experience from. Meanwhile, Macclesfield went a whole month without a game after their clash at Ormskirk called off due to the weather and Stockport conceded as they were unable to field a side. (Photo credit: Andy Mitchell) Young Three Lions date for Macc fans ROBBIE’S RALLYING CRY Macc boss in promotion call Proud: Robbie Savage was full of praise for his team’s performance at Altrincham (Photo credit: MFC) He added: “I said before the game let’s show every- body that we are a National League team and we are.” Savage also praised the fans for their support in a high- tempo derby game played in difficult weather conditions. The Silkmen were quick to put their exit from the FA Trophy at the third-round stage behind them as they returned to league action. They cruised to a 4-1 home victory against Stock- ton Town. It was a result that meant Macc remained unbeaten at home in the Northern Premier League and it kept their lead at the top of the table at 13 points. magnificent in what was a great cup tie. It was a remarkable performance.” Savage, who said that even with 10 men his team were the better side in the first half, said: “It was a state- ment of where this group is, the togetherness and cama- raderie and everyone working towards oen goal and that’s promotion. If we perform like that there will be no doubt.”