Lymm 39
Preston Grasshoppers 17

A convincing win by Lymm against PGH

Lymm entertained bottom of the table Preston but past history told us that they would provide difficult opposition in this very competitive league. Conditions were surprisingly good underfoot and the Gods were kind with the weather forecast. As usual Lymm made a number of changes and it was good to see Ben Rees returning after his shoulder problems of last season.

Lymm kicked off and play was even in the first ten minutes but it was noticeable at this early stage that Lymm had the upper hand in the scrum. After a good run by the Preston full back a penalty resulted on the Lymm 22 which was converted, (0 – 3).

Lymm started to turn the screw in the forwards with both props James Mawdesley and Nick Ashton making good inroads into the Preston half, which resulted in a penalty which was kicked into touch near the corner. A text book catch and drive resulted in James Lewis touching down for an unconverted try, (5 – 3). Lymm continued to press through the forwards with the last pass preventing a score. However good inter passing between the forwards resulted in Ollie Thornton using his pace and good footwork to score a try, which Richard McEvoy converted, (12 – 3). The forwards continued to dominate with Will Baldwin again providing excellent ball from the line out and it was from a line out near the Preston line that the Lymm forwards drove at the line a number of times and eventually James Pitcher dived over for a converted try.

Half Time 19-3

The second half started with Lymm on top and Will Baldwin squeezed over a try and soon afterwards Richie McEvoy kicked a penalty, (27 – 3). At this stage it looked like a Lymm could run away with the game but Preston’s defence had been in Lymm’s face all day and as Lymm took their foot of the gas Preston showed what they could do by driving Lymm over the line for a converted try, (27 – 10). This stung Lymm into action and they produced there best passages of play in the next ten minutes with forwards and backs combining well, retaining possession and punching holes in the keen Preston defence. It was after a fine 60 yard break by Richard Halford that continued pressure on the Preston line resulted in Ben Rees crashing over for a try, which Richie McEvoy converted, (34 – 10). Lymm continued their dominance recycling the ball a number of times, probing for a chink in the Preston defence. As play moved down the pitch, Richie McEvoy made a break, continued by the evergreen Dave Williamson who unselfishly put Reece Forrest in for an unconverted try, (39 – 10). To give Preston there due they never gave up and score a converted try before the final whistle.

Full Time 39-17

This game showed how much Lymm have progressed this year, with their game based on strong forwards and excellent defence and a good blend of experience and youth. Preston were competitive but Lymm always had the edge, especially in the forwards, the front row of James Mawdesley, James Pitcher and Nick Ashton dominating the game, with the usual, all action display from James Lewis.

Lymm remain 2^nd in the league and next week travel to play 3^rd placed Sedgley Park 2’s.

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