Miller Homes Leagues Premier Division, 16th February 2008

Macclesfield 2nd 14 pts Sedgley Park 2nd 21 pts

Sedgley Park were expecting a competitive game at Macclesfield, and they got one. Midway through the first half the home side were 14-3 ahead and dominating the forward battle. Their lead could have been greater as they had missed three early penalty shots at goal, using three different kickers, oddly. Sedgley led 3-0 through Steve Nutt's successful kick and were then denied a try by an outstanding tackle. It came as no surprise when the Macclesfield pack rumbled over for the first try, converted by their first-choice kicker. Sedgley blew a good chance by missing touch with a penalty kick aimed at the corner and, moments later, following a penalty the other way, Macclesfield stole away for a try up the narrow side; the touchline conversion was successful. Sedgley were struggling up front to the extent of losing a scrum even when Macc had a forward in the bin, though his offence had presented Nutt with his second simple goal; 14-6. Gradually Park began to win more ball. The home backs tackled particularly well but eventually Chris Leader scored in the corner from Nutt's neat little pass. 14-11 to Macclesfield at half-time. Sedgley were coming more strongly into the game, and aggressive tackling led to the penalty that levelled the scores. Another kickable chance was bravely turned down, and a solid line-out and drive created the space for stand-off Nutt to score on the narrow side. His conversion bounced in off the post - or didn't, depending on point of view, but the goal stood. Sedgley were beginning to play with their familiar style and might have been expected to pull away in the last quarter. However, the final twenty minutes were niggly and shambolic, and the full-time whistle came as a relief.