Preston Grasshoppers 24
Lymm 40

Lymm travelled to Preston with a very young side knowing they have a poor record there against Preston. Preston have had a tough season winning only one game but in their last home game they ran league leaders Caldy very close. In addition, the growing 1^st/2^nd team injury list at the club had a knock on effect and Lymm were expecting a tough game especially as they were considerably smaller than the opposition.

Lymm kicked off in near perfect conditions on the PGH grass pitch and showed their intent straightaway, when a clearance kick didn’t find touch. The ball was run back with the forwards off-loading in the tackle to supporting players, ending with play back near the Preston line. Lymm dominated possession early on, moving the ball around and recycling well to keep Preston on the move.

Eventually the play produced two penalties, which Alfie Simpson converted to give Lymm a 0-6 lead. Lymm continued to dominate possession, using their pace and support play to keep Preston in their own half. After more good play, Lymm were awarded a penalty which they kicked to the corner for Ben Rees, as he did all afternoon, to soar high and win good ball for the forwards to drive over the line for hooker James Pitcher to touchdown. No 10, Alfie Simpson adding the extras, 0-13.

So far it had been all Lymm but Preston showed how dangerous they could be. Their first period of possession in Lymm’s half resulted in their centre slicing through to put the winger in for a converted try, 7-13. It would be interesting to see how Lymm would respond and 5 minutes later they gave the answer. Again moving the ball around, probing for an opening the ball was moved left to right and back again.

Eventually Alfie Simpson spotted a gap and raced through and looked as if he would score. However, the full back closed him down but he threw a lovely reverse pass to the supporting James Pitcher who strolled over for a try, Alfie Simpson converting,   7-20.

Preston though we’re still in the game, and were making headway through their centres. Following some good phases, it was from a scrum that they cruised over for a try untouched by the Lymm defence, which was converted, 14-20. But Lymm were soon back on the front foot, taking the game to Preston with good support play from the forwards. Rhys Lilley and Matt Hill made big In-roads into the Preston 22, eventually being stopped close the line. The ball was recycled quickly and with the Preston defence in disarray, Henry Simpson crashed over using his bulk. Again his brother Alfie converted, 14-27. Preston however were not finished and on the stroke of half time they scored an unconverted try.

Ht 19 -27

At half-time coach Peter Millachip emphasised the need to keep the pace of the game up and move the ball around which had so far paid dividends. Also the need to concentrate for first ten minutes and play the game in the Preston half. Lymm managed to do this with good defence, especially from the back row and good tactical kicking by the Simpson boys at half back. Lymm continued to move the ball around and good breaks by Rory Riddell and Rhys Lilley nearly ended with scores but the final pass or an error thwarted a score.

However the next try came from a line-out 35 metres from the home line. Again Ben Rees delivered the ball and the Lymm pack started trundling down the pitch. Then out of the blue James Pitcher broke free from 20 metres to sprint in unopposed to complete his hat trick for Alfie Simpson to convert, 19-34. Lymm kept the pressure on and more good play ended with a penalty, Alfie Simpson converting, 19-37.

Preston were not finished and started using their big forwards to drive at the Lymm defence. They made some headway but Lymm’s defence held. However, the home team persisted and after another phase of play they eventually got over in the corner for an unconverted try, 24-37. From the restart, Preston came back again looking to repeat their previous score but good defence ended with a Lymm penalty, which allowed them to clear their lines. Alfie Simpson finished the scoring with another penalty to complete his 100% record for the day.

FT 19 – 40

This was an excellent Lymm performance, with everyone contributing to the victory. They showed good game management, retaining possession and moving the ball around. The forwards competed well in all phases and their support and offloading was excellent. In defence they didn’t take a backward step and were well lead by Henry Baldwin, whose commitment was matched by everyone. Also it was good to see Matt Hill returning after a long lay-off, looking as if hadn’t been away. In the backs, young Alfie Simpson showed some good touches and decision making and Josh Hadland tackled ferociously and ran hard. Next week there’ll be another tough challenge as top of the table Candy visit Beechwood. so Lymm will need to up their game yet again.

Lymm Squad:

J Hamer, J Reynolds, J Davies, J Hadland, R Forrest, A Simpson H Simpson, M Hill, R Lilley, R Riddell, H Baldwin, B Rees, J Sherlock , J Pitcher, N Ashton, Rep: K Soni