West Country Wills Match Preview Round 11 Macclesfield vs Taunton Titans

A bumper home crowd at Veritas Park shared in remembrance with Devonport Services in the customary, respectful tribute prior to kick-off. Titans then ran in nine tries– including a brace for scrum half Connor Banks who formed an efficient halfback pairing with Louie Sinclair – to triumph by 57-20 and maintain their pursuit of Camborne. The Cornishmen remain ten points ahead of the pack courtesy of a victory over Luctonians, all of which means that Titans return to second place.

Titans face their longest journey of their National League Two season this weekend as they head up the M5 and the M6 to the Cheshire town of Macclesfield. Once voted home to the UK’s most boring museum, the Silk Museum, the town was the end of the fabled Silk Road with Macclesfield’s mills being where the fabric was spun into luxurious garments. Other local spots to check out include Granelli’s renowned ice cream shop at 74 Newton Street, the Flower Pot pub on the corner of Congleton Road and Ivy Lane and the first house I ever bought at 116 Vincent Street.

Those travelling from Somerset might be excused some nostalgic confusion. Like Taunton, Macclesfield RUFC is also celebrating its150^th Anniversary and their home ground is named Priory Park. The club has spawned some great names in its history including Alan McInnes, a dual-code fly-half for Sale who converted to centre for Salford in Rugby League and then went on to coach Wigan. He is credited with founding the long-lasting structure of the country’s most successful league side as well as developing many schoolboy rugby players at the King’s School Macclesfield. Amongst them was Macclesfield RUFC’s most famous old boy, former England and Lions captain, Steve Smith.

Macclesfield climbed to National League One in 2012/13. They suffered relegation, bounced straight back but then plummeted down the leagues. This year marks their return to the National Leagues, having won the Regional 1 North West Division last year. As things stand they lie in 13th place in the table, 11 spots below Titans and in one of the relegation spots. Last weekend they travelled to deepest Cornwall but succumbed 34-19 to Redruth.

Wearing a traditional navy blue and white strip, like the town’s King’s School with which it shares indelible links, Macclesfield is coached by Rhys Davies under the Director of Rugby, Matt Coleridge-Smith. The first team is captained by James Oliver.

Kick-off is at 3pm at Priory Park which is on Priory Lane,SK10 4AF. There are pre-match lunches available for £15 in addition to the entry ticket. There is a choice of homemade pie or roast gammon with stuffing and apple sauce or stuffed peppers, served with roast and mashed potatoes, cauliflower cheese and carrot batons. Dessert is chocolate fudge cake and custard. To book visit https://www.macclesfieldrufc.co.uk/event/macc-v-taunton/.

Taunton Warriors have a week off, having won 24-36 at Cinderford 2^nd XV last weekend to consolidate their fourth spot in Counties 1 Tribute Western North.

Many happy returns this week to doyen of the club, Hugh Duder, who on Monday turned 80 years old. Happy Birthday Hugh.

Taunton resident and rugby lover, Richard Kitzinger writes content for Taunton RFC’s club website and match-day programmes. His day job is writing Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney - he can be found at www.westcountrywills.co.uk or reached on 07504 991893.

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