Macclesfield 2nds 46 – 55 Lymm 2nds

 Lymm 2’s outscore Macc in classic encounter

Lymm turned up at Macc with a squad of 19, expecting a tough encounter. Conditions were ideal for open rugby with the pitch perfect and the weather excellent. Speaking to the referee before the game it was discussed how conditions would contribute to an open game, little did he know that over a hundred points would be scored!!

Lymm kicked off and immediately the big Macc 8 ran through some poor defence, making 50 yards before Kieron Williams put in a strong tackle that stopped move.

At the next phase of play, a dropped pass was seized upon by the returning Alex Stewart for him to scoot away to the Macc line, only to be felled by a high tackle a few metres from the line. A penalty try was awarded and a yellow card issued 0 – 7. 5 minutes later an identical situation arose and this time Richie McEvoy had the pace to finish from 50 metres and convert his own try 0 – 14.

Lymm started to move the ball around with their backs looking dangerous and after another break from McEvoy, Rory Riddell was on hand to use his pace to score from 40 metres for another converted try 0 – 21. At this stage it was one way traffic with Lymm dominating play. Then came the try of the game when slick recycling and handling by all the backs ended with the ever present Rhys Lilley putting Ash Freeman away for an unconverted try 0 – 26.

After 20 minutes it looked like it would be a saunter, however Macc had other ideas as they finally put some passages of rugby together using their big forwards to make ground. Eventually the pressure told and they scored a converted try 7 v 26. But Lymm didn’t let up and scored a driving lineout try by Rob Makin 7 v 31. Macc responded with another try straight from kick off, as Lymm failed to control the ball 12 – 31. It was becoming a tennis match Lymm scored again after good work down the middle with Kieron Williams eventually forcing his way over from short range for a converted try 12 – 38.

Again the restart kick off was not taken cleanly and after numerous phases Macc forced their way over for another try, thankfully for the scoreboard attendant the last of the half !!

HT 17-38

Lymm thought they had the game in the bag but Macc came out in the second all guns blazing and Lymm were soon under pressure. Macc scored 3 quick tries to put them within one score at 34 v 38. Lymm had lost their rhythm, their successful formula of keeping the ball in hand and recycling and started kicking away possession. However they refocused retaining possession and probing for openings. The outstanding Kieron Williams broke through for a converted try 34-45. Almost immediately Lymm were back down at the Macc end and showed good patience in attack for Josh Davies to use his considerable bulk to barge over from short range 34 – 50. Shortly after, Lymm pounced on a loose Macc pass to kick the ball ahead for Will Leach was to dot the ball down 34-55. Again you thought that was that for scoring but Macc came back again to score two more tries, one converted but time ran out as Lymm were pressing for their tenth try.

FT 46-55

This was a seesaw game with Lymm capitalising on Macc mistakes and when they played phase rugby keeping the ball in hand looked dangerous. Macc contributed to a good game with their forward strength proving difficult to contain. A win away from home in this league is always good. In the forwards Rhys Lilley continues to improve and Kieron Williams, once he gets back to full fitness, showed what a talented footballer and defensive player he is. In the backs Richie McEvoy marshalled the troops well and Rory Riddell showed his pace.

There is no league game for next two weeks but the seconds have arranged a fixture at Sandal where the firsts are playing.

Team:

J Houghton, A Freeman, R McEvoy, R Riddell, M Stafford, W Leach, G Anderson, R Lilley,

J Pitcher, K Williams, A Welton, B Polec, D Coon, R Makin, G Woods ( Capt), A Stewart,

W Higgins, J Davies, T Baker

Match Report: Malcolm Pritchard