Maybe the unbeaten run, now five league wins in a row, is creating some mental pressure and the league leaders were strangely hesitant at times and again regularly spilled ball. The home side were not much better but enjoyed most of the possession in the first 10 minutes during which fly half Macey missed a relatively easy penalty. But in the 12th minute, Hoppers power in the scrum disrupted a home put-in, and although Paul Bailey miscued a penalty, they at last got into enemy territory. Another powerful scrum was followed by a typical break from the mercurial Darren Wilson who made 40 metres before being hauled down just short of the line. Hoppers first attack of any substance was rounded off by Juan Crous who picked up at the base of the scrum and barged over and Bailey’s touchline conversion put his side 7 points up after 19 minutes. Although the restart kick did not appear to cross the 10-metre line, referee Liddell waved play on and the boot of Macey put Macclesfield back on the attack. In the 29th minute, after two lineout drives had been repelled, he got his side on the scoreboard with a penalty. Hoppers then showed what a dangerous attacking side they can be with a great backs’ try. Crous’s tap back from the kick off was shipped out and a classic break and off-load by Olly Viney put Bailey in at the posts who was on target with the conversion and a penalty 4 minutes later. Faced with losing contact, Macclesfield responded and finished the half strongly. Wilson’s last ditch cover tackle prevented a score but, when the ball was switched, Hoppers’ defence was caught out and hooker Allen had a clear run in. Macey missed the conversion and his side trailed 17-8 at the break. Peterson’s hopes seemed to be fulfilled when Hoppers started the second period in positive fashion. First Bailey kicked a penalty in the 42nd minute and, 3 minutes later, another slick move from the backs produced another memorable try. Will Hughes, coming into the line from the blindside wing, sliced through and timed his pass perfectly to the supporting Andy Barnett who touched down at the posts and Bailey’s kick was a formality. Despite being 19 points down, the home side refused to cave in and, with the sun at their backs, gained ground with a series of high kicks. After 49 minutes, Hoppers’ inability to defend at the back of the lineout, cost them a try when flanker Jones was driven over and Macey’s conversion reduced the deficit. Sensing a revival, Macclesfield kept the pressure on and, still under pressure in the scrum, started to move the ball wide where Viney proved a tower of strength in defence. In the 47th minute a speculative 60-metre penalty attempt from Bailey was fumbled when it fell short and some fine lines of running from Barnett twice almost broke the line and forced the home defence to infringe, Bailey kicking a simple penalty. The home side again rallied and, after more pressure, created another massive overlap and this time it was full back Jones who touched down after 67 minutes but the kick failed. This proved to be the last score of the match and, in a rather scrappy final 10 minutes, both sides came close but were unable to claim bonus points. The win means Hoppers stay 3 points clear at the top. - Next week they host bottom club Orrell, so far without a win. Kick off 3.00 pm.
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