Lymm 2nds 33 – 36 Stockport 2nds

Joe Heaton’s MoM efforts in vain

With the score all square at 33 – 33, and the final minutes ticking away, Stockport pressurised the Lymm 5 metre red zone and took the points with a well taken drop goal.

This was a tough game played in difficult conditions. Lymm still tried to play with their usual flair but struggled to manage the conditions as effectively as Stockport.

Lymm struck first. With a break from their own line following a Stockport mistake. The ball was shipped to winger Jorge Reynolds who showed great speed and fleet footwork to go the length before dancing past the covering full back to score under the sticks, Cormac Nolan converting, 7 – 0. A Lymm lead though very much against the run of play.

Stockport continued to prove they were a good side. Dominating possession and territory for extended periods with some brilliant controlled (boring) play around the ruck. This would lead them scoring two tries to take a 7-14 lead.

Lymm responded in true Lymm fashion- moving the ball from touchline to touchline probing for holes. Joe Heaton channelling his inner Moses and parting the middle of the Stockport line like it was the Red Sea of a scrum move, creating space for Alex Mukherjee to score two further tries, one converted by Nolan. Half time score 19-14 to Lymm.

At half time something seemed to change. Stockport found more energy whereas Lymm looked flat. Stockport would capitalise on this; shedding Lymm tackles to score a pair of great tries. Taking a 19-26 lead after another break, through a porous Lymm midfield defence.

Lymm rallied and Joe Heaton again summoned his inner Moses. Cursing through the middle to get Lymm back into the game, 26-26. But there was no holding Stockport as they crossed for another converted try, 26-33. However, another Heaton break gave Lymm good field position that would eventually lead to Cormac scoring in the Corner. Following it up with an unreal conversion to tie the scores 33-33.

A poor exit from the restart, followed by a penalty. Led to more Stockport territory and possession. This would lead to a penalty advantage and Stockport camping in our red zone and eventually the winning Stockport drop goal. 33-36.

Lymm would have one more opportunity following a mistake from the restart. In true Lymm fashion they went for it. Shipping the ball through several pairs of hands to create an overlap. Unfortunately, however the last pass didn’t stick, and Stockport could escape with a victory.

Full Time: Lymm 33-36 Stockport

Lymm Squad: 1. Dan McQuade, 2. Logan Byrne, 3. Dan Hunter, 4. James Yates, 5. Ben Polec, 6. Sohail kakaie, 7. Rory Riddell, 8. Matt Hill (Capt), 9. Matty Hope, 10. Alfie Simpson, 11. Jorge Reynolds, 12. Alex Mukherjee, 13. Joe Heaton,14. Andy Rowley, 15. Cormac Nolan,16. Quinn Peers, 17. Will Higgins, 18. Ed Dobbs, 19. Toby Phillips

Match Report: Simon Plumb

Man of the Match: