Redruth 26 – 22 Lymm

On Friday, 19^th Sept, Lymm travelled 375 miles to Redruth, staying overnight en route in Exeter, before completing their journey for a 2pm KO at Redruth Rugby Club. Unsurprisingly this was the first fixture between the Clubs which has come about because of Lymm’s level transfer from National 2 North to National 2 West in RFU National League, Level 4.

Lymm made 4 changes to the pack from last week’s win against Chester, due to injury and unavailability. Logan Byrne and Harry Wasdell were making their first starts and Tom Elphick was on the bench. In addition, the ever-spritely Tom Shard was making his 150th appearance for the first team.

To say the conditions at the start of game where poor would be an understatement, as the rain was biblical at times and there was a blustery swirling wind to contend with for the players and spectators. Lymm played down the slope towards the famous ‘Hell Fire Corner’ with benefit of the wind which was constantly changing. Redruth kicked off and at once Cal Morris found a good touch in Redruth’s half.

It soon became obvious that to move the ball with pace and precision in these conditions was going to be difficult. Redruth read the situation and began to use the set piece and their strong running forwards to make ground. Lymm defended well but eventually after 4 minutes they were penalised under their own posts and Dean Mills converted the penalty 3-0. Lymm responded with some good kick and chase and managed to retain possession for a few phases to win a penalty on the 22 which Tom Shard opened his account 3-3.

Redruth responded strongly using their strong set piece and driving forwards. Lymm were infringing and it was a penalty kicked to the corner that resulted in the inevitable catch and drive try scored by Redruth no 8 Chris Rovery, which went unconverted 8-3. At this stage Lymm were struggling to gain any worthwhile possession and when they did handling errors prevented any progress.

Things got tougher when Jack Stride was sin binned for a high tackle on 16 mins. The rest of the half was played mainly in midfield with Redruth’s set piece being thwarted by brave Lymm defence, led by the tireless Josh Hadland and the experienced Steve Pilkington.

Half Time: Redruth 8-3 Lymm

Half time came with Lymm rarely threatening the Redruth line. The conditions and Redruth’s forwards did not allow Lymm to play their normal fast flowing game. However, they had shown significant effort in defence. They would have been grateful for the retreat to the changing rooms, being a respite against the conditions. Lymm had made too many mistakes and given away too many penalties but we’re still in the game.

Lymm kicked off the second half and it wasn’t long before Redruth used the conditions to manoeuvre themselves into Hell Fire Corner. Lymm had brought on Dan Hunter at hooker, but this didn’t change the Redruth scrum dominance and eventually at 45 mins Ben Lilly was sin binned for a technical scrum offence. Redruth kicked the penalty to the corner, and yes you guessed it another catch and drive resulted in a converted try by Tom Cowan Dickie. 15-3.

Lymm were now under the pump in most phases and only dogged defence kept Redruth out. The penalties were building up against them and Redruth had the momentum. It came as no real surprise that Redruth scored another close range forward try from Chris Rovery to extend their lead after 50 minutes. 20-3. At this stage it looked game over for Lymm with Redruth searching for their bonus point try.

However, Lymm never surrendered and kept plugging away and eventually the tide turned, the sun came out and the penalties went Lymm’s way which allowed them to get a foothold in Redruth’s half. The ball was driven up by the forwards then switched back quickly and a ‘no look’ inside ball from Sam Wadsworth found captain Nathan Beesley on a great line and he cruised over from 35 metres for a try, beating the full back on the way. Tom Shard converted. 23-10.

This gave Lymm confidence to play with greater freedom and pace, which stretched the Redruth defence. Substitute Isaac Millachip made a half break and offloaded to the supporting Nathan Beesley who drew his man and put Paddy Jennings away from 30 metres. He made a valiant effort to score the try but was ushered into touch just short of the line. In the process he was injured and had to be replaced. The momentum of the game and the penalty count had certainly changed and not long afterwards Lymm were pressing again. A 5-metre line out was won by Isaac Millachip and Oli Higginson peeled around the front to put Dan Hunter in for a try in the corner. Tom Shard converted magnificently from the touch line to make a one score game 23-17. Lymm supporters ,who were plentiful , were beginning to dream and hope , however not long afterwards Ben Thompson was yellow carded and Redruth kicked a penalty to stretch their lead.

This didn’t deter Lymm from putting Redruth under pressure and with the last play of the game subjected Redruth to their own medicine with a catch and drive try by Tom Manaton which went unconverted.

Full Time: Redruth 26 – 22 Lymm

It was an extremely competitive game played for the most part in poor conditions. Redruth played the conditions better than Lymm for an hour with their set piece and forward dominance, earning a deserved victory. However, the young Lymm side never gave in, defended bravely and eventually pushed Redruth all the way just coming short but taking home a bonus point. If only the sun had shown its face earlier!!!!

Redruth voted Josh Hadland MOM for his sterling effort in defence. The Redruth Club were excellent hosts and are a Club steeped in history both on a County and National front, and we look forward to hosting them at Lymm in early January.

Also, it would be remiss not to mention Paul ‘Floss’ Foulkes unbelievable bike ride from Lymm to Redruth at 75. It showed not only great physical effort but great mental strength as some of the hills he encountered my car struggled to climb! And here’s me thinking it was all downhill to Cornwall. The ride generated great interest for both Lymm and Redruth members, with the South West Radio interviewing him. In addition, his supporting staff in the back up van, Don Brow and Simon Plumb, helped him on his way. What could possibly go wrong with those 2! Well done to everyone.

“Redruth adapted to the conditions better than we did,” commented DoR Adam Fletcher “and we struggled to get a real foothold in the game until the final 10 minutes. Coming away with a bonus point was a positive, and I’m proud of the whole club. It took a huge amount of time and organisation to make this trip possible.

“It was special to be able to greet ‘Floss’ on his arrival at Redruth, an unbelievable effort from him, and the boys hugely appreciated it. It was also fantastic to see so many familiar faces making the journey to support us. Next Saturday, we are at home to Loughborough Students, KO 2.30pm.”

Lymm Squad: 1. Ben Lilley (22), 2. Logan Byrne* (3), 3. Dal Ngoma (3), 4. Sam Wicks (2), 5. Ben Thompson (54), 6. Harry Wasdell (1), 7. Josh Hadland* (61), 8. Oli Higginson* (283), 9. Cal Morris (67) 10. Tom Shard* (150),11. Paddy Jennings* (79), 12. Steve Pilkington* (84), 13. Sam Wadsworth* (42), 14. Jack Stride (29), 15. Nathan Beesley* (92 (Capt), 16. Dan Hunter (17), 17. Tom Elphick (1), 18. Sam Beahan (3), 19. Isaac Millichap* (17), 20. Tom Manaton (26)

Match Report: Malcolm Pritchard

Lymm Man of the Match – Isaac Millachip