Sedgley Park 2nds 35 – 21 Lymm 2nds

Lack of execution costs Lymm

Lymm travelled to Sedgley Park for what was a rearranged fixture following the January cold snap. The team had an exciting blend of youth and experience, with both contingents contributing to a competitive fixture. Sedgley Park fielded a well-rounded outfit and would look to play their typical abrasive style. A narrower pitch than what the visitors were accustomed to, this would prove a challenge at times as Lymm struggled to adjust their attacking width accordingly, limiting opportunities in the wide channels.

Lymm kicked off and showed an early period of defensive physicality led by Sohail Kakaie and back row battler Jake Ashall. The early exchanges were largely fought out in the Sedgley half and under pressure from the visitors a succession of penalties were awarded. A kick to the corner and maul gave colt Hamish Scott-Herron opportunity for a dominant carry into the heart of the Sedgley 22. The ball was recycled and Lymm superbly moved the ball through the backline to find Jorge Reynolds on the right edge to open the scoring.

Sedgley were able to offer an almost immediate riposte. A charged down Lymm clearance kick was capitalised on by the onrushing players and Sedgley took the lead. Sedgley then found themselves in the attacking half again after Lymm errors had gifted them possession. A series of forward carries were made over the gain line and winning the close-quarter battles, Sedgley found their way over the line on the short side.

Lymm answered by taking 3 points to stay in touch after being awarded a penalty in a kickable position. Ryan Brown at fullback had a busy day fielding high balls in a swirling wind but was unwavering in his successful catch and running return efforts. A further try was registered by Sedgley following an individual tackle, jackal and gallop home triple threat following a lack of support for Brown on this occasion. Another try notched up by Sedgley took the half time score to 28-8.

Despite the twenty point deficit there was clear belief in the Lymm camp and it was the visitors that started the second half more brightly. An increase intensity was noticeable following the introduction of Arch Deacon Woods and lively hooker James Pitcher, coupled with James Anderson quick tapping at penalty opportunities. Lymm began to resemble the attacking shape they can perform so well and crucially were retaining possession better despite conditions worsening. Forays into the Sedgley 22 were squashed illegally it was deemed and two kickable penalties were taken by James Anderson. The scoreboard now reading 28-14 and Lymm were largely in control.

This period of ascendency would cost Sedgley with two sin bins for high tackles. Despite the numerical advantage and being camped in the Sedgley 22, Lymm were unable to take advantage with Finn Williams, Tom Baker and Samir Tahraoui all going close but desperate goal line defence held firm. Back to full complement but still under pressure, the Sedgley line would eventually be breached after phases were built and the ball moved to Ryan Brown who beat a couple of defenders and fought his way over. Just reward after a solid performance from the full back. 28-21 with approximately 15 minutes left on the clock.

Enthusiasm and effort was raised again by Lymm with notable carries from youngster Sydney Eenhoorn and half breaks from stand-off Alex Mukherjee and centre Rory Riddell. The Sedgley rear guard rallied well and numerous spilt balls and poor execution left Lymm unable to register any further points. It would be Sedgley who would take the final points of the afternoon and extend their lead to 35-21. In the closing minutes there was a final opportunity for the visitors with the prospect of a 4 try bonus point on the line. The corner was kicked, lineout secured followed by midfield hit up. The subsequent blindside move was fumbled and Sedgley despatched the ball to bring in full time.

An entertaining game played out considering terrible weather and deteriorating surface conditions. The Lymm squad were determined throughout but will rue the missed opportunities which if converted would have made for a very interesting final quarter.

Lymm squad: 1.Quinn Peers*, 2. Hamish Scott-Heron*, 3. Samir Tahraoui, 4. James Yates*, 5. Ben Polec*, 6. Finn Williams*, 7. Jake Ashall*, 8. Sohail Kakaie*, 9. James Anderson*, 10. Alex Mukherjee*, 11. Reece Forrest*, 12. Tom Baker*, 13. Rory Riddell*, 14. Jorge Reynolds*, 15. Ryan Brown, replacements from – 16. Gavin Woods, 17. James Pitcher*, 18. Sydney Eenhoorn, 19. Alex Stewart*, 20. Adam Case*, 21. Ollie Larkin*, 22. Ryan Vanden*

*Denotes product of Lymm M&Js/Colts Academy

Match Report: James Yates