Coventry Rugby v Macclesfield match preview.

This coming Saturday 6th October sees Coventry Rugby back at the Butts Park Arena, for their crucial game against Macclesfield, with kick off as usual at 3 pm. 

Macclesfield have so far had a poor start to the season having lost four out of their first 5 games.  However, last Saturday saw them with a 6 try home win over struggling Cambridge, which has taken them off the bottom of the league. Coventry for their part were part of a lack lustre game at Rosslyn Park, when they were unable to impose themselves on the game, need the win to get them back into a top six position.

Under experienced Director of Rugby Geoff Wappett, Macclesfield finished 6th last season, but this season are back in 15^th place with just the one win on 5 points .Like Coventry the Blues have lost heavily to Ealing Tfs at home, lost away to Cinderford, but have managed an impressive home win over Cambridge.

Last season Coventry Rugby won the home fixture 36-25 but lost heavily in the away fixture 40-10.

Despite losing star players Fergus and Charlie Mulchrone both to Rotherham Titans, and goal kicker Ross (Charles) Winney also departing, Macclesfield have still recruited well. Scrum half Matt Rhodes and centre Elliot Brierley  have made the reverse journey both from Rotherham, whilst experienced lock or No 8 Dave Marwick comes in from Stockport/Blaydon. Another recent signing hooker Tom Cruse is already making a name for himself.

Renowned for their abrasive pack Macclesfield, with Tom Cruse and Dave Marwick prominent, they also have former Coventry player prop forward Martin Kent in their ranks, who has scored two  tries in his last two appearances. It would be wrong to describe the Blues as primarily a forward orientated team, as they have plenty of speed in the backs with wingers Ed Stobart and Josh Fowles, as well as centre Elliot Brierley. Goal kicker and fly half Tom Eaton has a good tactical game as well as his goal kicking skills.

An important game for both sides  as Macclesfield at last seem to be finding some form, and need to escape from the relegation zone, whilst Coventry Rugby  cannot take their opponents for granted and need their own pack to take control to give their undoubted quality backs the chance to score tries. Coventry need to put behind them of the disappointment of the result against Rosslyn Park and get the victory needed to take them back into the top half of the league.

The selected Coventry side will be posted on the website when known.

Tom Little

Coventry Rugby press office

2^nd October 2012.