Macmillan Academy left it late to progress to the Fifth Round of the Daily Mail Cup U18s Competition.

Macmillan Academy 8 – 8 Crossley Heath Grammar School

Macmillan Academy left it late to progress to the Fifth Round of the Daily Mail Cup U18s Competition. Early stages of the game were contested well, neither side imposing a clear dominance. Aaron Gibson was put under pressure by the Crossley Heath fly half with some neat kicking options, however he responded with confidence allowing Macmillan to turn defence into attack. Midway through the first half Macmillan turned the ball over in their own 22m, Crossley Heath identified a miss match in numbers on the blindside allowing the inside centre space to carve open the defence for the first try. The conversion hit the post.

Macmillan Academy 0 – 5 Crossley Heath Grammar School.

After 25 minutes Adam Phoenix got to grips with the game plan, kicking effectively out of defensive situations. In one particular instance a high ball was chased by Adam Nolson who put in a strong tackle, the ball was fumbled and Macmillan regained possession of the ball. Shortly after Macmillan were awarded a penalty, Carl Kirwan took a quick tap to Lee Theakston, quick hands to Owen Stewart gave him space to outpace the defence on the outside, he then returned the ball back inside to Theakston who was stopped just short of the line, Kirwan was on hand to support well to dive over the line to equal the scores.

Macmillan Academy 5 – 5 Crossley Heath Grammar School.

In the second half Macmillan had 70 percent of the possession, unforced errors resulted in no points being scored. Crossley Heath were to score next, a dropped ball in midfield was kicked through by the Heath fly half, Adam Phoenix chased back and blocked the runner. The referee had no option but to sin bin him for 10 minutes, from the resulting penalty Crossley Heath kicked three points.

Macmillan Academy 5 – 8 Crossley Heath.

Macmillan had another chance to level the scores; Peter Homans attempt at a penalty was just wide. Fine play continued with strong runs and effective ball retention, Ben Wood ran a try scoring line with the white wash in sight, he did everything but catch the ball. The commitment and desire was evident, with the final play of the game Macmillan were awarded a penalty. Adam Phoenix confidently stepped up and signalled a kick at goal. The place went silent, a place in the fifth round was to be decided on the last kick of the game, he struck the ball crisply high and straight through the posts. The referee’s final whistle blew to confusion on the faces of both sets of players. After an initial pause the Macmillan team erupted into celebration as the away team goes through in the event of a draw.

Macmillan now await the winners of QEGS Wakefield and Woodhouse Grove. They are now in the last 32 in the country which is a superb achievement.