Sedgley Park 2nds 45 – 26 Lymm 2nds

Lymm 2nd’s edged out by Sedgley

Lymm travelled to Whitefield on Saturday for this Cup semi-final by virtue of winning their group. Conditions were dry and large pitch looked ‘fast’. The squad again included a number of senior colts who over the last few weeks have added enthusiasm and no little skill to the team.

Lymm kicked off and were immediately on the front foot with Rory Riddell making a good break only to be halted near the line. They continued to threaten and after swift inter- passing the ball was moved wide for Paddy Jennings to score which was converted by James Anderson.

At this stage the Sedgley had hardly touched the ball. However they began to gain possession and territory where Lymm were their own enemies as they kept dropping the ball in promising situations. Sedgley took advantage of this to score two converted tries which their strong running and defence deserved.

Lymm fought back and after a poor line out 30 yards out, Rory Riddell built momentum, using his dancing feet and pace to score a converted try. Then as the half was coming to a close another Lymm error and poor tackling allowed Sedgley to score under the posts to lead at HT 21-14.

Half Time: Sedgley Park 21 – 14 Lymm

Lymm had played well in patches but the high error rate, combined with Sedgley ‘s physicality in the tackle and at the breakdown gave them the edge. Coach Neil Ellams emphasised the need to cut the errors down, retain possession and we could get back in the game.

Lymm took his advice when after two minutes Cal Morris supported well to score under the posts for James Anderson to convert. The match was now poised for a good finish but Lymm turned off for 10 minutes which allowed Sedgley to take their chances and scored 2 converted tries and a penalty to take a 17 point lead.

Lymm did regain their composure and good ball retention allowed Harry Martin to sprint in from 25 metres to make the score 38-26. Lymm continued to press but were met by stern defence but an opportunity opened up but Sedgley managed to intercept a try scoring pass and go 80 metres to score another converted try. That was the final score.

Full Time: Sedgley Park 45 – 26 Lymm

The game probably encapsulated Lymm’s season with excellent rugby intermingled with games we want to forget. Today Sedgley’s determined defence and breakdown won the day as they took advantage of Lymm’s mistakes.

Lymm created a number of good chances but their execution let them down at times. There was no shortage of effort but the beaches and sophisticated nightlife of Magaluf awaits a number of the players on show. Good luck!!

All the Colts performed admirably and a good pre-season by them will help to adjust to the higher standard. As ever at Lymm there is no shortage of talent and hopefully next season we can improve our league position.

A big thank you to Peter Millachip who does a brilliant job organising the side, and he’s been ably assisted in his role over the last few months by Neil Ellams.

Team: S Kakaie, A Stewart, N Ashton, S Tamarsi, J Yates, H Martin, A Case, G Downs, J Anderson, C Morris, R Brown, P Jennings, R Riddell, J Reynolds, A Mukerjee, Reps: Q Peers, S Eenhoorn, S Hunter, B Cole, B Polec