LYMM 2nd XV 36 – 33 FYLDE 2nd XV

A last minute penalty secures victory for Lymm

The first league of the season produced a tight, entertaining game which either side would have felt they deserved to win. Conditions were ideal at Beechwood, with a breeze blowing towards the clubhouse end, as Lymm kicked off. Both sides slowly got into the match, with the Lymm forwards having the edge at the set piece. Fylde looked dangerous on the break and after their centre sliced through the middle Nonzo made a bone crunching tackle to halt the movement. Lymm started to get on top in the scrums and from a penalty they elected to kick to the corner. The line out was won cleanly and the forwards drove for the line with Matt Greiller getting the touch down and Josh Bate converting well, 7 – 0.

It was becoming obvious this was going to be a game of Lymm’s forward against the lively Fylde backs and it wasn’t long before they moved the ball wide for their winger to touch down in the corner for a converted try, 7 – 7. Lymm then started to dominate through their forwards, especially Harry Martin who was everywhere showing good pace and strength. Lymm pressed Fylde back into their own 22 and turnover from a poor Fylde line  the ever alert Toby Phillips pounced on a loose ball to score a try which Josh Bate converted, 14 – 7. Then just before half time, ball resulted in quick hands by the forwards with Paddy Jennings seeing a gap twenty metres out to scoot through for another converted try, 21 – 7. Fylde kicked off and Lymm under the impression it was the last play kicked the ball off the pitch near their own line. However, there was still time on the clock and Fylde turned the screw on the Lymm line with their winger eventually scoring out wide for an unconverted try.

HT 21-12

The first half was certainly Lymm’s, Fylde’s backs were always dangerous but Lymm would have the slight breeze at their backs in the second half. Fylde kicked off and immediately put Lymm under pressure. Lymm failed to retain possession or play the game in the right areas of the pitch which resulted in two converted tries from the Fylde backs making the score 21-26. Lymm eventually managed to go through the phases retaining possession and an overlap was worked and that man Harry Martin was on hand on the wing to score an unconverted try in the corner to level the scores, 26 – 26.

Fylde came back again to score a converted try, 26 – 33, which with ten minutes to go looked ominous for Lymm, as they had little field position in the second half relying on individual breaks. One by Toby Phillips nearly resulted in a try by the supporting Alex Stewart. However, Lymm’s dominance in the scrum was now having a major effect on the game, as Fylde supply of ball dried up and they were being penalised at scrum time. It was from a penalty kicked to the corner that good phase play led to mercurial Tom Baker scoring his customary try from 2 metres out which was converted to level the scores, 33 – 33. The last 5 minutes Lymm pressured Fylde in their own half, missing one kick at goal but another scrum penalty gave Josh Bate a chance from 40 metres and the kick sailed through the posts to give Lymm the win.

It was game which could have either way but eventually the strength of the Lymm scrum especially Jordan Widdrington won the day over Fylde’s speedy backs. There were many good performances with Harry Martin outstanding in defence and attack, veteran Tom Baker played sound game in midfield and Toby Phillips when running with ball always looked dangerous. This is a competitive league and next week the 2s travel to Rossendale who beat twice last season, so it’ll be another tough encounter.

FT 36 – 33

Squad: G Anderson, J Reynolds, T Baker, P Jennings, E Dobbs, J Bate, T Phillips, M Greiller, H Martin, J Dowdeswell, Titus, Nonzo Agina, M Connelly, R Makin, B Thompson. Reps: J Widdrington, Sadge, A Freeman, M Ince, A Stewart.

Match Report – Malcolm Pritchard