WHEN Wilmslow Rugby Club’s seconds survived a late rally from Macclesfield to progress in the Brooke Edgley Technical Services Cup on Saturday it also maintained an unbeaten run that has been hailed by coach Rick Jones.

Vikings were coasting towards a 33-7 win but Macc brought on some pacey fresh young legs and three converted tries in rapid succession made for a nervy final few moments.

Nevertheless, the result could be the mark of a swinging pendulum.

In recent seasons, Vikings have been no more than cannon fodder for Lions, who finished second in last season’s Cotton Traders League Conference A, while Vikings couldn’t cope at that level.

This season Lions have won only one of their five matches in the Premiership, compared to Vikings’ unbeaten record in the Championship.

Wilmslow coach Jones is in no doubt about the reasons for a turnaround in Vikings’ performances.

“The players are training harder and putting much more effort into their game,” he said.

“Vikings have brought in youngsters through the club’s own junior section and through Wilmslow High School. The two go together.

“Taught the game better at school in recent years and developed in the club’s junior section, there has been an inflow of talented young players to the senior section.

“It takes time, of course, for teenagers to develop but this was probably the most significant result for Vikings in recent times and possibly for Wilmslow Rugby Club as well.”