Lymm 29
Macclesfield 5

Lymm opened the season in the Premier League with a hard fought win against a competitive Macclesfield side. Conditions were ideal at Beechwood with sunshine and a big crowd to watch, what hopefully would be a fast open game of Rugby.

Lymm kicked off attacking the Club house end but good defence and early season rustiness denied them a score. However, it wasn’t long before quick thinking from Rhys Jones, who he took a quick tap penalty from 5 metres out wide to force his way over wide out for a try, which he converted, 7-0. If Lymm thought this was going to an easy victory, Macclesfield had other ideas. They were on top in the scrums and competed vigorously at the breakdown, denying Lymm clean ball. When Lymm did get the ball, they either turned it over or kicked it away, when a patient build up may have paid better dividends. Macclesfield had a number of sorties into the Lymm half and eventually a kick through resulted in there winger winning the chase for a fry in the corner, 7-5.

Lymm tried to get out their own half but tenacious tackling kept them pinned back. Then one of the defining periods of the match occurred just before half time. A Macclesfield break had Lymm scrambling back in defence and they repelled a number of drives for the line with determined defence, led by Jake Ashall and Captain Will Baldwin. A scrum resulted and with Macclesfield’s dominance in this area a try looked likely. However Lymm pushed their opponents back and turned the ball over to signal the end of the half

HT 7-5

At half time Lymm made a couple of changes bringing on last year’s Colts Joe Murphy and Jack Porteus. This seemed to revitalise Lymm especially Joe Murphy whose powerful runs got Lymm on the front foot. Lymm started to get a pattern of play but Macclesfield were still defending well. The pressure eventually told resulting in a penalty, which Rhys Jones converted, 10-5. Lymm now started to dominate, with most of the game being played in the Macclesfield half. Good ball retention and driving to line ended with Joe Murphy showing his power by crashing over from 5 metres for an unconverted try, 15-5. 5 minutes later they scored again after a break by Richie McEvoy, Richard Halford supported to sprint in from 30 metres for a converted try, Jones adding the extras, 22-5.

Lymm continued to press looking for the 4 try bonus point. They created overlaps but were guilty of taking the wrong options. Both Joe Murphy and Jack Porteus made storming runs only for the final pass not going to hand. However with the last play of the match, a good half break by Rhys Jones ended with Joe Murphy sprinting in from 40 metres rounding the full back for a try converted by Jones.

Ft 29-5

Lymm were pleased with a win in the first match of the season in the new league. Coach, Peter Millachip commented. “At times we produced some good Rugby but early season rustiness was evident. In addition we’ll need to increase our fitness levels as there will be sterner tests ahead.

“However, there is enough talent in the side to be very competitive. One thing that could not be denied was the commitment in defence which was excellent throughout, led by the tough tackling Jake Ashall. The two Colts Joe Murphy and Jack Porteus made important contributions with Joe Murphy changing the game.”

Next week Lymm 2’s travel for another tough match at Sedgely Park.

Lymm Squad:

J Davies, J Reynolds, J Davies, R McEvoy, R Forrest, R Jones, H Simpson J Ashall, R Lilley, O Thornton, W Baldwin, H Baldwin, N Aston, J Harper, J Widdrington. Reps: J Murphy, J Porteus, R Halford