Lymm 37
Macclesfield 31

Lymm 2nd team played their first game on the AGP in perfect conditions with most other pitches in the northwest covered in mud

Lymm brought in stalwarts Dave Coon and John Grant to the front row to cover for unavailability and injury. A close contest was anticipated as Macc have always been strong at this level.

Lymm kicked off and soon regained possession and started to go through the phases stretching the Macc defence. It was after such a period of play that the dangerous Rory Riddell broke through the defence to score under the posts for returning Rhys Jones to convert, 7-0. If Lymm thought they were in for a comfortable game, Macc had other ideas as a kick deep into the Macc half resulted in their big winger powering past weak tackles to score under the posts, 7-7.

Lymm continued to press and a good kick by Rhys Jones put Lymm on the attack. It was from a scrum 40 metres out that good handling and a break from Richie McEvoy ended with Alex Hickman showing great pace from 25 metres to score an unconverted try, 12-7. Rhys Jones then converted a penalty and it seemed that Lymm had the game under control at 15-7. However at this point a combination of poor kicking conceding penalties and determined Macc play saw them score three tries in quick succession 2 of which were converted to make the score 15-26. Lymm were stunned and Macc were swarming forward through their pack and the half time whistle couldn’t come quick enough.

At half time coach Peter Millachip emphasised retaining possession playing in the right parts of the pitch and increasing the intensity in defence as Macc had dominated the collision.

HT 15-26

Lymm started the second half at a faster pace and more control. Good kicks and determined defence kept Macc under pressure and a fine break by Rhys Jones resulted in the hardworking James Yates on his shoulder, storming in for a try from 15 metres which was converted, 22-26. Lymm continued to press but Mac’s defence held but the majority of the game was being played in the Macc half and Rhys Jones narrowed the margin to one point with a penalty, 25-26.

Macc’s forwards were tiring in the loose and after a bullocking run from Dave Coon the move was continued by the forwards with it being stopped two metres from the try line. The Macc defence was all over the place and Alex Hickman dived over for a converted try, 32-26. Lymm were now on top and after more pressure and a good kick by George Anderson Lymm won a penalty which Richie McEvoy took quickly to put Joe Watson in for an unconverted try, 37-26.

It was all Lymm now and after a good break by Josh Hadland, Sam Dickenson and Joe Dowdeswell took play to the Macc line but good scramble defence and wrong options kept them out. In the last five minutes Macc came back and battered the Lymm line and eventually scored an unconverted try which their effort deserved.

Ft 37-31

This was a game where at times Lymm played some excellent rugby but also made some mistakes, however any win against Macc 2s should be celebrated as they have been the yardstick for many years. The pace of the side is suited to the pitch and some excellent tries were scored. In the forwards James Yates and Joe Watson showed their class in both attack and defence getting through a mountain of work. It was good to Rhys Jones return and Rory Riddell always looked dangerous in possession. Next week it is Chester away who will want to gain revenge for their loss at Lymm earlier in the season.

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