The Moorlanders were competitive throughout, deservedly led 6-0 after 30 minutes and scored the try of the match. But they struggled to break through the Macc defensive line and were ruthlessly punished for any errors.

A heavy drizzle throughout meant it wasn't a day for flowing rugby and both sides sought to kick for territory. The visitors were penalised frequently at the breakdown during the early stages and Will Midwinter opened the scoring after eight minutes with a 40-metre kick.

There was little threat to either try-line as mighty tackling cancelled out attack after attack. Midwinter doubled the lead on 25 minutes after a high tackle led to a yellow card and penalty.

Macclesfield then found some rhythm and camped out in the Leek 22. A number of forward drives finally set up the opportunity to break the Moorlanders' defence (6-7). Heroic defence from the Leek pack stopped a repeat as the half finished with the visitors on top.

The game continue in a similar vein after the break, and Macclesfield scored again ten minutes in.

Leek sought to rally. A quick switch infield and Midwinter chipped over the defensive line, regathered his kick and teed up Jack Newton-Taylor, who outpaced the cover defence to score in the corner (11-14).

But Macclesfield resumed their onslaught against a tiring defence, scoring two more tries to secure the victory.

The Leek team can take great heart from the fact that they lived with a team that have been in national league rugby for many years.

Author: Graham Leftwich