In a thrilling, end-to-end clash, Macclesfield came out on top with a 53-41 victory over Rossendale in a match packed with attacking flair, defensive lapses, and standout individual performances.

The visitors struck first after dominating possession for the opening 15 minutes. A clever chip from the fly-half found the centre, who gathered well to touch down in the corner. The conversion was missed, giving Macclesfield a 5-0 lead.

Rossendale responded on 20 minutes through a penalty from Callum Hill after an infringement at the breakdown, closing the gap to 3-5.

However, Macclesfield hit back almost immediately, capitalising on missed tackles in midfield before working the ball to the left wing for their second try, which was converted to extend the lead to 3-12.

Rossendale’s first try came on 27 minutes courtesy of hooker Jack Wilkinson, finishing a well-executed catch-and-drive from a lineout. Kieran Tyrer’s conversion narrowly missed, leaving the score at 8-12. Macclesfield then added a third converted try to make it 8-19 before Hill was forced off with a head injury, replaced by Johnny Leota.

A penalty pushed Macclesfield’s lead to 8-22, but Rossendale clawed back through Seb Krippner’s try, converted from the touchline. Moments later, new forwards coach James Flynn crashed over after another powerful maul. The conversion struck the post and went in, bringing the sides level at 22-22 at half-time.

Rossendale took the lead early in the second half with a brilliant bonus-point try, finished by the winger Krippner after slick hands and support play. Macclesfield then levelled at 29-29 before Mac Duaibe bundled over for Rossendale’s fifth try, making it 36-29.

But errors cost the home side. Macclesfield added two quick tries, then a penalty, surging ahead 36-46. Wilkinson’s second try gave Rossendale hope, but another converted score under the posts sealed the win for the visitors.

Despite the loss, Rossendale showed promise – but defensive lapses proved costly.