Warrington RUFC 18

Macclesfield 26

WARRINGTON Rugby Union club came within 15 minutes of an historic victory at Bridge Lane when they made their debut in the Tetley Bitter National Cup competition.

A huge and vocal crowd plus Sky television cameras saw Warrington take the game to Macclesfield from the start.

Macclesfield, from five divisions above Warrington, were made to look average and an early Andy James penalty followed by a converted try from prop Stewart Edwards, who powered over from 20 metres, were no more than Warrington deserved.

The home side's forwards refused to be intimidated or outplayed by the Macclesfield pack. Peter Holce jumped magnificently in the lineouts and Andy Kellett and John Callender tackled like tigers.

In the backs, runs from Ian Nicholson, Andy Walker and Shaun Geritas punched holes in the Macclesfield three quarter line.

Realising the danger, Macclesfield made four judicious substitutions at half-time and as a result sharpened up their game.

However, they still could not stop Warrington from forcing another try, with captain Jim Keulemans picking up from a wheeling scrum to feed scrum half Gez Louden, who dived in at the corner.

Although Macclesfield kicked three penalties, Warrington were still in the ascendancy after 65 minutes.

Unfortunately, a combination of tired legs and bad positional play gave the Macclesfield scrum half a weaving run of 50 metres for a try.

At 18-14 up, Warrington still looked likely winners until Macclesfield made their possession count with a try to give them the lead for the first time.

Warrington were forced to chase the game and a dropped pass in midfield presented Macclesfield with a soft try on the final whistle.

Warrington were so near and yet so far in a game they know they could and should have won.

Peter Holce in the line-out for Warrington against Macclesfield.No.DGG05998

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