Macclesfield 35, Preston Grasshoppers 14 (From Preston and Leyland Citizen)

Macclesfield 35, Preston Grasshoppers 14

9:13am Monday 22nd September 2008

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Just as in the game against Harrogate the previous week, Hoppers led at half time, were the better side for 50 minutes but then imploded in a disastrous six-minute spell during which Macclesfield scored 17 points to seal the win.

Hoppers had an early chance to take the lead but Ollie Moore was wide with a penalty after three minutes while, at the other end, Macclesfield made no mistake with a similar opportunity to take the lead.

Hoppers’ pack were having the better of the exchanges but, after a strong five-metre surge, failed to ground the ball over the line.

But, despite 10 minutes of pressure, it was the home side who scored next through the boot of Whinney to make it 6-0 after 18 minutes.

The visitors continued to look the more dangerous with new signing Steffan Thomas a handful in the centre and the back row ruling in the loose.

A second attempt at a catch and drive in the 25th minute at last brought reward, Marc Balshaw claiming the touchdown and this time Moore’s kick was good.

As the half drew to a close, Moore then fielded a kick in his own 22, beat the defence and set off downfield with just the full back to beat but support was lacking and the move broke down. Hoppers were however worth more than a one point lead at the break.

Four minutes into the second period, Hoppers extended their lead when Thomas crashed over after some strong forward drives had set up the position. Moore’s conversion put his side eight points ahead and Hoppers were cruising.

A penalty on 52 minutes reduced the arrears and critically flanker Dan Waller was forced off through injury.

Then out of the blue two mistakes and some sloppy defence let the home backs in for two converted tries and Hoppers were playing catch-up.

Macclesfield kept the pressure on with kick and chase tactics and on 61 minutes fast hands put them in again. Hoppers now lost shape and tried desperately to run the ball out of defence but Macclesfield had the last word scoring a bonus-point try in injury time.

Hoppers host Kendal next Saturday who have won two of their three matches so far this season, kick off 3pm.

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