Rugby’s losing run was unsurprisingly extended at promotion contenders Macclesfield, who haven’t lost at home all season. But despite going into half time already 23-7 down Rugby put up a very good performance in the second half, just lacking the finishing ability to claim at least a losing bonus point.

With several experienced players missing, Rugby took time to settle into an effective pattern of play.

This gave some people’s promotion favourites Macclesfield all the chance they need to establish a good lead.

First, Ross Winney kicked a penalty on 6 minutes and then he converted Chris Jones’ try after a characteristic Macc rolling maul.

Rugby wasted their two isolated chances to put pressure on the home defence and Winney’s metronomic kicking made them pay with a second penalty for 13-0 after 18 minutes.

Finally, Rugby made an impact in the game through a fine individual effort by winger Joe Marston.

He chipped the defence and took the ball off the bounce to run home, Jack Green converting to give Rugby a boost at 13-7.

But Macclesfield still found Lions errors were gifting them points, Winney kicking his third penalty and then converting Jon Keep’s try for a clearcut interval lead of 23-7 with 6 minutes left before half time.

Rugby came out for the second half to dominate possession, some feat against such a well-grooved side as Macclesfield.

But they could only manage one score throughout the half, with the ball coming out of breakdowns so slowly, the home defence was in prime position to deal with any thrust from Lions.

But when Phil Reed came on, he and matt Goode linked up for Goode to slice through a tiny gap and score between the posts. Jack Green converted for 23-14 with 18 minutes to ply.

Rugby couldn’t really mount a final charge but at the death they did have a chance of at least taking away a losing bonus point.

But the wind took Green’s 39-metre kick away to the right and, when the referee ruled the kick was to be retaken, the same kick was again taken wide, which was less than Lions’ second-half effort deserved.

Rugby Lions: Andrews, Marston, Young (Reed 49), Goode, Gregson, Green, Barker, Burchnall (Williams 68), Price, Pateman, Weaver, Braband, Munro, Saunders, Humphrey (Carney 73). Reps: Reed, Williams, Carney, Martin, Warrilow