Port humbled by dominant Macclesfield

Report by Theo Bowyer

The away side started well and an early penalty from Cameron Hertz allowed Port to settle into the game. 0-3.
Port were attempting to kick deep into the Macc half to relieve pressure but it was coming back just as fast with the home side’s running prowess. This was soon hurting Port, with some good offloads Macc were under the posts in a blink of an eye. 7-3 (try conv).
This seemed to set the tone for the whole match as Port simply couldn't live with Macc’s speed of play and incisiveness. The Oliver twins, James and Harry were delivering double trouble all match and brushing aside tackles all too easily. Another easy score for Macc with just over 10 minutes gone and already the game felt out of reach for Port. 12-3 (conv. missed).
It was going to be a long afternoon for Port but against adversity the boot of Hertz brought the gap back to within 6 with another penalty. 12-6.
Macc had total control however and butchered a few changes to score with sloppy play from their line-out. Port were hanging on by a thread.
Port were steadily building the phases, but struggling to really penetrate the Macc defence.
The away side delivered the killer blow on the stroke of half time with their scrum half scurrying in under the posts. 19-6.
The second half kicked off and it was more of the same from Macc. They were relentless in attack and added to their points tally with several tries and a few penalties. It’s no surprise that many have tipped the Cheshire side to win the league and on the face of Saturday’s match you can see why. A strong pack with plenty of punch and a back-line to match any side in the league.
Port had some chances from their scrum late on but just couldn’t force a score and understandably heads were low.
Final Score… Macc 46 Port 6.
It was one of Port’s heaviest defeats in recent memory and they didn't threaten the scoreboard in the second half but a mention to McPherson who was never shy in taking the fight to the opposition all game.
One thing that was quite amusing was the over the top celebration from Macc post match. It was as if they had won the league!
The strength of the Macc team, coinciding with Port’s long injury list, slightly skewed the overall match but it was still disappointing how easily the away side rolled Port over.
Port travel to Wirral away this coming Saturday, hoping to resume that winning feeling once again. Up the Port!