by Jim Knowles
WITH no concerns for promotion or relegation Lymm were edged out 28-32 in a free flowing duel in the sun against Rossendale.
Rescheduled due to an unplayable pitch earlier in the season, the final game of the season was played in glorious sunshine and on a perfect pitch.
Lymm lying fourth in the Northern Premier League anticipated a close game with their visitors who were just one place below them. Free of any the concerns of promotion and relegation both teams showed every intention of playing an open running game.
Lymm set the pace and an early attack with backs and forwards combining well yielded a penalty for Cormack Nolan. (3-0). Lymm gathered the restart kick and attacked again with Scott Redfern putting Lymm deep into Rossendale territory. Lymm stole a scrum from the bigger Rossendale forwards and scrum half Andy Davies made a break resulting in another Nolan penalty (6-0).
Rossendale’s admirable response was an attacking move started in their own half that brought a try but the conversion attempt from wide out drifted wide (6-5). Rossendale then took the lead with an excellent try initiated from well executed lineout and swift passing to score near the posts (6-12).
A short restart kick by Redfern surprised the Rossendale defence and from a scrum Lymm centre James Kimber powered over and Nolan converted from a difficult angle (13-12). Lymm were now looking the better team and this view was confirmed when Kimber put his fellow centre ,Tom Bray,in for a well deserved try and Nolan’s boot did the rest(20-12).
Then as the happy home spectators were anticipating a comfortable half time lead the Rossendale winger intercepted and ran half the length of the field giving his team a try and conversion.(20-19)
With the second half only a few minutes old Rossendale used their extra forward strength to win a ruck and create the opportunity for another try and conversion.(20-26) A penalty from Nolan reduced the lead (23-26) but Rossendale countered with another penalty (23-29). It had been an entertaining game but it became even more engaging when Nolan ,from fullback,supporting on the wing and running close to the touch line got over in the corner. The kick was just too far out even for him to add the extras (28-29) but still anybody’s game.
The final score was an easy penalty for Rossendale (28-32). They had been more dominant in the second half and deserved this narrow victory.
Lymm Coach, Adam Fletcher said it was the interception try that killed Lymm but congratulated all who had played this season .Ending fourth in this very competitive league was a great achievement.
The club will be looking to build on this next season and use their developing strength in depth. OThe second team won 75 -22 at home v Rossendale 2’s and top their league, with more home grown talent waiting to come through from a very successful Colts teams.
