New Year Kicks off in Style!

The 2nds got their year off to the perfect start with a great all round performance, taking the spoils from 3rd place Macclesfield. Having made a good start in the return game earlier in the season only to see a strong Macclesfield side run away 57-7 winners, James Hennigan’s men were well aware of the threat posed by the Cheshire men. However, with a strong line-up, Bedians were confident that with a good performance they had the ability to upset the league table and spoil Macclesfield's new year party.

The first half saw the hosts keen to demonstrate their strong pack, superiority in the set piece and an effective rolling maul seeing them cross for a couple of close range tries in the first period, both converted. Not to be out-done, full back Rob Naughton also had his kicking boots on, punishing Macclesfield for indiscretions at the breakdown by kicking 3 penalties before a superbly worked backline move from Bedians saw winger Ben Owen side step his way over the line for a 14-14 half time score.

After the break, with the match reflecting the even score line, Bedians were edging the breakdown while Macclesfield remained superior in the set piece. The turning point came with an unfortunate front row injury and a switch to uncontested scrums, and as the game opened up it was Bedians who were able to take advantage, outscoring their hosts by two tries to one thanks to a charge down from Jack Newsome and some magic feet from Paul Makinen. Naughton continued his fine form with the boot, converting both tries and adding a further penalty for a 16-point haul.

A fantastic start to the new year from Bedians, with the pack setting the platform for the backs to outshine their opponents. In particular, continued strong showings from Jack Newsome, Declan Sealy and Tom Ash allowed half back pairing James Gaffney and Alex Bosshardt to control the game. Skipper James Henningan will be hoping they can follow up with another fine performance when the 2nds return to action on Sat 17 Jan with a short trip to local rivals Heaton Moor.