Rugby: Southern Nomads U15's win Cheshire Junior Shield

Manx side overcome tough Macclesfield test to take victory

Report by Dave Christian:

The sun shone on the Wirral for Southern Nomads Under 15 side and as they claimed the Cheshire Junior Shield with a narrow 21-17 win against Macclesfield.

Nomads opened up with pace and power but the Macclesfield defence was sharp, especially around the breakdowns and they were soon testing the strength of the Nomads line at the other end, the green wall kept them at bay though and left Macclesfield uncertain of how to break through.

After repelling the waves of attack, Nomads finally strung some phases together and moved upfield - skipper Josh Linwood then carved through the midfield and burrowed over the line for the opening score, Ethan Watt added the conversion and gave Nomads a 7-0 lead.

Macclesfield continued to pound the line time after time, but the Nomads defence was an impenetrable wall.  

Unfortunately, the defensive onslaught made for a high penalty count and eventually Macclesfield broke through to score but missed the conversion making it 7- 5 at half time.

In the second half, another massive defensive shift with a couple of great turnovers from the forwards and Nomads were back in the hunt. 

Unfortunately, they couldn’t quite convert phases into points and ended up pinned back again - a massive try-saving tackle from Charlie Quirk kept Macclesfield out but Quirk was forced off the field with injury, this led to Macclesfield tapping a quick penalty to score and take a 10-7 lead.

Nomads replied quickly - a solid drive from a midfield scrum gave the backs some space to make magic. 

A pre-planned move flat-footed the Macclesfield defence and allowed Leo Titley to race through to score, Ethan Watt added another conversion and Nomads were back in front again at 14-10.

With ten minutes to play the Macclesfield breakdown work looked like it might be enough for the win, they forced their way upfield and over the line - the conversion was good too and with a 17-14 lead, thoughts were beginning to turn to celebrations. 

This was premature however - fresh legs in the wide channels gave Nomads an edge and they kept plugging away. 

With just three to go Josh Linwood went over for his second of the game to round off a proper captain’s innings - Watt made it three from three from the tee and the Shield went to Nomads.

It was a great end to the season for the club and Nomads extend thanks to all supporters and especially the sponsors for their support in the success.