"We have come a long way and we wanted to show Macclesfield that. We were put under some early pressure, which we knew would happen, but we coped with it and responded.

“The boys stepped up to the challenge against a really good team and I am really chuffed with how we performed.”

Macclesfield had recorded a perfect start in their first ten league games and looked to continue their fine form when Ryan Parkinson went over for two unconverted tries within the opening 30 minutes.

This did not deter the Bees, who bounced back when Oscar Heath grabbed the ball after 32 minutes and cut through the defence and went over untouched.

Ian Briggs was on fine form with the boot, firstly kicking two penalties and then converting Heath’s try to put the visitors 13-10 up after 32 minutes.
Dai Evans increased Bees’ lead two minutes later when he went over for a converted try to put them 20-10 ahead at half-time.

Macclesfield came back into the match in the second half with an early penalty try but Heath was on hand to pick up two tries on 61 and 66 minutes to put the Bees into an unassailable lead.