With both teams' games postponed the previous week and both struggling for points in recent games, it was little surprise that the first half was a nervy and close encounter.

However, only 6 minutes in, it would be the visitors to score first, with Tight Head, William Robinson crashing over for an unconverted try. On 22 minutes, Stour's nerves were calmed after George Morgan broke free of several tackles to score. Chris Scott slotted the conversion to take Stour into the lead - 7-5. A few minutes later, Stour were awarded a penalty in front of the posts after Macclesfield came in at the side. Chris Scott was on target, extending the lead to 10-5.

Stour's nerves returned just 7 minutes later, when Macclesfield Full Back, Daniel Lomax, scored out wide for another unconverted try - 10-10. On the stroke of half-time, Chris Scott slotted another penalty, giving Stour a narrow 13-10 lead going into the break.

Again it was the visitors who struck first in the second half, with Fly Half Thomas Morton kicking his only points of the day - 13-13. Stour seemed to respond to this and 12 unanswered points in 14 minutes saw the hosts edge away from Macclesfield. Firstly, Josh Trinham broke the defensive line on the wing, putting Nick Murphy through before he was brought down. Despite the attentions of 2 sizeable Macclesfield defenders, he powered his way over the line in the corner (see main pic) for an unconverted try. This was followed by Jack Lea for a converted try - 25-13.

Minutes later, Macclesfield replacement Brendan Berry brought the visitors back within 7 points with another unconverted try, but this was more than cancelled out with another spell of dominance from Stour. First up was Nigel Mukarati, who despite carrying a calf injury, smashed his way over the line with Scotty converting the points - 32-18. Then, a contender for try of the season. Replacement Scrum Half, the evergreen Rod Petty, secured the ball on the half way, spun it out wide where it found winger Dan Rundle. Dan had worked hard all day, coming in off his wing looking for work, supporting every move, tackling everything in front of him. His hard work paid off as he broke through numerous tackles, making his way across half the pitch to score under the posts. With the playmaker Petty converting the points, the Stour faithful erupted.

It was Macclesfield who would have the last say in the game. Another brilliant try, almost the mirror of Dan's, saw replacement Chris Townsend score on 80 minutes for their bonus point try. Charlie Reed converted the points, making the final score 39-25 to Stour.

This was a well-deserved bonus point win for Stour and brought Stourton Park back to life. It keeps us 11 points clear of South Leicester, but crucially, only 6 points behind leaders Hinckley and with a game in hand.