Preston Grasshoppers 11
Lymm 15

A narrow win at PGH puts Lymm into the final, which will be played on Saturday May 4^th 2019, against Chester 2’s or Sedgley Park 2’s. Their Semi-final was cancelled due to the weather.

However, PGH have an AGP (all-weather pitch) and although the rain continued unabated all afternoon, the pitch provided a perfect playing surface, something that Lymm will enjoy next season with their new AGP.

“We have a different side out each week” commented Coach, Peter Millachip. “The injury crisis at the club hasn’t helped, plus the usual unavailability scenarios but we have a wealth of talent at the club and this has sustained us and the 1stXV through a difficult season.

This week there was eleven changes to the previous week’s squad that defeated Vale of Lune. So, as with most weeks, it takes time for the team to settle into a game. This was a tough match against a Level 4 club but we improved as the game progressed and deserved our win. We now have the target of winning the Conference B league, to ensure that we play in the Premiership next season and of course to win the League Cup Final.”

PGH were 11-3 up at half-time with all their points coming from Jobe Roxby, with an unconverted try and two penalties. They had the strong, gusting wind behind them and were pretty well camped in the Lymm half. But Lymm defended well and Josh Davies kept them in the game with a penalty.

The weather conditions were difficult for both teams and the ball rarely reached the wingers. Lymm were more settled in the second half and within 8 minutes of the restart, Josh Davies crossed for and unconverted try, 11-8. Lymm were now using the wind to good advantage with George Anderson, Alfie Simpson and Josh Davies keeping proceedings in the PGH half. They increased the pace of the game from the breakdown and eventually Jake Ashall, who had moved to centre in place of injured Giles Dugdale, made a 20m bullocking run from the half-way. He off-loaded to Ollie Thornton in support, who had just come on as replacement for Dugdale and he scampered in under the sticks, Davies added the extras, 11-15.

In the last 10mins, PGH put in a late challenge, when Lymm were down to 14 men following a yellow card but Lymm held their nerve and booked a place in the final. Considering the conditions, both sides put on a good display of rugby, a game that wouldn’t have taken place without the AGP.

Next Saturday, Lymm 1st XV are at home to Ilkley. Lymm 2nd XV are away to Rossendale 2’s. Both KO 3pm.

Teamsheet