WITH the final play of the game, Macclesfield scored their final try to avoid a major Cheshire Cup upset at the Memorial Ground on Saturday.

The former National League One side had the wind advantage in the first half and took a 3-10 lead by half-time through a Lewis Barker penalty and a short range try by Matt King, converted by Barker.

With little possession, Wirral had could only manage a penalty from James Annetts.

Wirral Globe:

Action from Wirral 1st's match against Macclesfield. Picture: Mike Gibbens

In the second half, with the penalty count in their favour, Wirral gradually worked their way into the game to score three further penalties through James Annetts putting Wirral 12-10 up after 61 minutes.

The lead was short-lived as pressure from the away side enabled Mike Finnemore to score from close range, Barker hit the conversion to restore Macclesfield’s lead at 12-17.

Wirral Globe:

Action from Wirral's match against Macclesfield. Picture: Mike Gibbens

Wirral then had their best period of the game and applied sustained pressure on the opponent's line.

A well-executed move saw Paul Lewis break Macclesfield's defence and pass inside to Rob Pearl who crashed over the line after 75 minutes. The conversion attempt hit the post to leave scores level, 17-17.

A couple of penalties enabled Macclesfield to make progress into the Wirral 22m area where the Macclesfield forwards controlled the ball and exerted pressure on the Wirral line.

The home defence held until Dave Marwich drove over for a try.

The conversion was missed and with that the referee blew for time to leave Macclesfield winners 17-22.

This gutsy performance by Wirral will give them confidence for the League season which begins next week, September 5th, with a home fixture against Rossendale.