Lymm 2nd XV 36 – 39 Caldy 2nd XV

Thirteen try thriller – a typical Friday night in Lymm

Having seen their Senior 1s clubmates head off to Redruth for the longest away game trip in Lymm’s history, players and spectators’ attention switched to the prospect of a visit from Caldy 2nds. With Clady 1^st team having established themselves in the Championship, this was always going to be a test for Lymm. A large crowd greeted the visitors and the Lymm team as they ran out under the lights on a blustery but mild night.

Lymm started slowly, with the experienced and well-drilled Caldy side dominating play and field position, efficiently scoring from two driving mauls in quick succession. Despite competitive Lymm restarts, they could not retain possession, and a fly hack through from midfield led to a third try with barely a quarter of the game gone.

Lymm responded well, with better ball retention and the backline looking to break through Caldy’s strong midfield defense. At last, a tackle break allowed Jack Reynolds to burst through and score, bringing Lymm back into the game; the try was converted.

Lymm defended the restart well and moved back up the pitch. The pace of the game had picked up, seeming to suit Lymm, and excellent skills in the back line saw them score in the corner, closing the gap to 12-15. The early Caldy lead was within touching distance, as Lymm appeared to have worked out how to compete against this quality team.

Half-time approached with Caldy pressuring Lymm’s defense, breaking through a scrambling line for a score just before the break.

Lymm had shown that their backline could create space and scoring opportunities despite Caldy’s dominance in set-pieces. They remained in touch on the scoreboard, but whether that last try would make the challenge too difficult remained to be seen.

At half-time, the score stood at 12-22,  With a blustery wind behind Lymm for the second half, their challenge did not seem insurmountable.

Lymm started the second half at a high tempo. Following an extended delay in play for an injured Caldy player, the teams tussled for territory, and each scored a driving maul from a line out close to the opposition line, 17-27, and still all to play for.

Another infringement in midfield by Lymm allowed Caldy to gain yards with a kick to the corner and, you can maybe guess what happens next, Caldy’s driving maul, well drilled and an effective scoring machine, rumbled over for another unconverted try. 17-32, edging toward the last quarter.

Lymm were never out of this game. For the whole of the second half, they looked the better team as Caldy looked to control the game and Lymm probed for chinks in their defense. Another great break close to the Caldy line gave Reynolds his second try.

But a strong, tackle-breaking run from the Caldy full back led to one of only two Caldy tries from open play  on the night, unconverted again. 29-39, and not long left for Lymm. But Lymm still came back, having seen five rolling mauls scored by Caldy and having had one themselves in the first half, they again joined in what must have been some secret forwards-only rolling maul fest to score in the corner. 36-39. Lymm continued to dominate, but Caldy remained calm.

Lymm’s pressure paid off with a penalty kick to 10 m from the Caldy line. A chance, maybe the last chance. A hush as the lineouts formed and the ball, held for a moment,  arced toward the Lymm jumpers. But for the first time all night, Caldy got a hand into the lineout to disrupt the play. The chance had gone.

Caldy cleared their line efficiently and headed up field. They too had another chance, but their lineout misfired, and so the driving maul festival was over. The seconds were ticking away now. Lymm continued to battle and compete for ball and territory, but Caldy controlled the final few minutes as Lymm increased the pace and pressure – Caldy remain unbeaten for over 120 games for a reason.

Lymm points came from; Tries by Jack Reynolds x2, Olly Thornton, Rory Riddell, Joe Heaton, and Matty Hope. Jack Reynolds kicked x3 Conversions.

Lymm came off the pitch frustrated, that try at the half time was to prove significant. They probably dominated play in the second half and had chances to win the game. Whilst the reporter may be slightly biased, Lymm played the better rugby. Minor handling errors and too many midfield penalties allowed Caldy to remain in front.

The integration of what was our separate 2nd XV, into what is now our 55+ Senior Rugby Squad, inclusive of the signing of 8+ new players, plus emerging Colts, is paying dividends. Training numbers have increased, individual and team skills have improved, and more players are becoming qualified to step up to National League standard. I am sure many of the new spectators will come back to watch the Senior Squad 2s play again, the high skill levels and commitment to open, attractive rugby make it a great watch. Friday nights under the lights – we should make it a regular thing.

Toby Philips, Lymm Coach commented – “The boys stood their ground and performed well, and they should be proud of what they achieved. MoM Rory Riddell

“Disapointed not to get more from a game that we should have won. But they are a good side and were very clinical in our 22,

“But we learned from it and next week the Senior 2s Squad travel to Wirral. Hopefully back to winning ways.”

Lymm Squad: 1.Joe Higgins, 2. Alex Stewart, 3. Dan McQuade, 4. Matt Hill (Capt), 5. Nick Ashton, 6. Lewis Stewart, 7. Max Ure, 8. Olly Thornton, 9. Matty Hope, 10, Alfie Simpson, 11. Joe Heaton, 12. Jack Reynolds, 13. Rory Riddell, 14. Will Day, 15, Alex Murkherjee, 16. Sadge Kakie, 17. Ben Polec, 18. George Reay, 19. Matt Harrison (colt), 20. Jo Reynolds, 21. Cormac Nolan, 22. Andy Rowley

Match Report: Paul Nolan

Man of the Match Rory Riddell