Sandbach 2nds 5 – 33 Lymm 2nds
2nd Team Match Report | Saturday September 17 2022
Lymm reversed the fixture with Sandbach so the 1st & 2nd XVs could travel together. The Lymm side had a few changes from last week as 4 players moved up to the 1st XV, and injuries and unavailabilities took its toll. However, returning to the fray were seasoned players Jake Ashall and Nick Ashton, with James Kimber making his first appearance for two seasons.
Lymm kicked off up the hill with the gusty wind behind them. The initial period was played in midfield as both sides tested each other out. Lymm’s swarming defence kept the larger opposition at bay and as the half progressed, Lymm’s midfield and back row started to get a strangle hold on the game. Good support play and interpassing led to a James Kimber try which was chalked off for a forward pass. However, not to be denied good offloading in the tackle between forwards and backs led to the ever alert Jake Ashall to power over between the posts for a try converted by James Anderson. Lymm went close on a couple of occasions with Ash Freeman caught near the line but that was the only score of the half.
HT 0 – 7
The question at half time was could Lymm keep up the pace of the game and keep the big Sandbach forwards at bay. This was answered quickly after half time when good handling released Rory Riddell in space and he used his pace and footwork to score an unconverted try, 0-12. It was now all Lymm who were recycling the ball well and stretching the opposition and following more good approach play, Jake Ashall forced his way over again for a converted try, 0-19. Lymm’s defence was terrier like with every player making a contribution. It wasn’t long before more controlled play resulted in Tom Baker making a break and with prop forward Sadge in support he dummied and sidestepped, well we thought it was a sidestep, to score his customary try under the posts for another converted try 0-26. Then came the try of the game, not because of individual skill, but great teamwork. After at least 10 phases with smart offloading in the tackle and good passing, Ryan Brown complete the attack strolling in for a try, which James Anderson converted from the touchline, 0-33. Sandbach scored a consolation, unconverted try near the end for their efforts.
FT 5 – 33
An excellent display by Lymm, who showed great commitment and teamwork against a strong Sandbach side. The midfield three of Tom Baker James Kimber and Rory Riddell were a handful all afternoon creating numerous opportunities and always taking the side forward. In the pack the front five produced a good platform and those two experienced back row forwards Jake Ashall and Matt Connelly bossed the loose play. Overall a very good win. As always Sandbach proved excellent hosts and we wish them well for the rest of the season.
Team: 1. Sadge Kakaie, 2. Alex Stewart, 3) Nick Ashton, 4) Ben Polec, 5) Mike Ince, 6) Will Higgins, 7) Matty Connelly, 8) Jake Ashall, 9) James Anderson, 10) Tom Baker (C), 11) Ash Freeman, 12) James Kimber, 13) Rory Riddell, 14) Jorge Reynolds, 15) George Anderson, 16) R Brown.
Match Report – Malcolm Pritchard