Lymm 2nds 48 – 40 Rossendale 2nds

This was the first return fixture of the season. Earlier Lymm had travelled to Rossendale and allowed them to build a substantial lead which was whittled away but Lymm ran out of time giving the spoils to Rossendale.

Conditions were ideal for running rugby as Rossendale kicked off. Lymm started well moving the ball around and after creating an overlap, Ben Polec made ground and his pass eventually reached Finn Williams who scored a converted try on his debut 7-0. If Lymm thought it was going to an easy afternoon Rossendale had other ideas. A combination of strong attacking play and poor defence by Lymm allowed Rossendale to score two tries one of which was converted, before Lymm came back with a try by Jorge Reynolds which wasn’t converted, 12-12. However Rossendale were undeterred and continued to dominate, making good headway and forcing errors from Lymm. They stormed into 15-33 lead, (Lymm kicked a penalty) and a heavy defeat was looming, as Lymm dropped off tackles and didn’t chase kicks. Then just before half time, Toby Phillips strolled in for an unconverted try.

HT 20-33

Coach Peter Millachip emphasised the basics at half time, tackling, kick chase and playing the game in the oppositions half. His talk didn’t seem to be working as Rossendale scored a try five minutes after the restart and the writing was on the wall as Rossendale lead 40-20.

It was if there was a light bulb moment and Lymm started slowly but surely to make their tackles count and retain possession. The scrums which had been a struggle all afternoon became steady and Jordan Widdrington gave the side shape and go forward with his ball carrying. Lymm scored a converted try and the momentum changed. Also immediately Sadge Kakaie intercepted a pass from the line out to sprint in from 40 yards for another converted try 34-40. Rossendale started losing their discipline and a player was sin binned giving Lymm an advantage. Lymm were now on a roll now and were moving the ball well and winning the breakdown. It was after at least ten phases of play by Lymm, that they moved down the pitch and eventually ran out of defenders with Josh Bate crashing over for a try near the posts to give Lymm a 41-40 lead with a few minutes to go. It was during this spell that Toby Philips had to retire with suspected ACL damage.

Lymm came back again and after Rossendale had another sin binning, Josh Bates chipped through for another debutant Isaac Millachip to score a converted try. The final whistle blew not long afterwards and a game which replicated the earlier match at Rossendale had swung Lymm’s way. Credit must be given to both sides as they attempted to play open rugby with Lymm gaining revenge over a side that beat them twice last season and earlier this year.

In the forwards Sadge Kakaie continues to improve with good ball carrying and defence. Finn Williams on his debut showed his strength and pace throughout, and young Isaac Millachip showed his chip of his father’s block by making numerous tackles but of course gave a few penalties away!! In the backs Ryan Brown was always dangerous with his elusive running.

Next week, Lymm 2s are at home to Sandbach 2s, KO 2-15pm.

Team: G Anderson, J Reynolds, T Baker, T Phillips, R Brown, J Bates, J Anderson, S Kakaie, D Quinn, J Widdrington, H Baldwin, B Polec, J Plumb, F Williams. J Dowdeswell, Reps: J Freeman, J Hamer, I Millachip