Lymm defeat league leaders in a tense affair

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LEAGUE leaders Sandal had never beaten Lymm at Crouchley Lane but with the opposition riding high at the top of the table and having not lost since the first day of the season this was surely their opportunity – but it was not to be!
Lymm came into the game full of confidence on the back of the typical end of season good run of form. The scene was therefore set, the pitch was in pristine condition and the breeze, which was to prove crucial, was in Lymm’s favour in the first half.
The game was keenly contested from the start with the breeze helping Lymm territorially. Lymm were putting together some good phases but finding Sandal’s defence difficult to break down. A sensitive hamstring meant that Cormac Nolan couldn’t step up for his normal goal kicking duties and an early Lymm penalty attempt was missed by Rhys Jones.
Eventually after 15 minute the Lymm possession told, with Dave Williamson making his usual Spring-time return to the team, running a great line and crossing for the first score 5-0. The remainder of the half followed a similar pattern with lots of good Lymm possession and phases being closed down by a resolute Sandal defence. Lymm were moving it well with great confidence and speed, with the young half-back combination of Boaden and Jones pulling the strings.
The away team did make the occasional foray into Lymm territory normally led by the strong running number 8. On 35 minutes this paid dividends and Sandal were awarded a penalty to make the score 5-3.
Normal service was quickly resumed and for the rest of the half all the play was with Lymm. This was finally rewarded with Cormac Nolan touching down in the corner to take the half-time score to 10-3.
The second half with the breeze against Lymm was a different story as Sandal dominated both possession and territory. After 5 minutes Sandal got a penalty to take it to 10-6. The momentum was now clearly with the visitors. With Sandal in the ascendancy and the penalty count racking up, Lymm were holding on. A yellow card for Joe McGrail added to Lymm’s problems. Sandal took advantage and slotted another penalty to take it to 10-9. Despite all the possession and territory the Lymm defence continued to hold firm. Thinking things couldn’t get worse on the half hour mark they did, as prop Jordan Widdrington was shown a red card. Again Sandal slotted the subsequent penalty to give them the lead for the first time – 12-10.
This spurred Lymm on and they made one of the few forays into the Sandal half. After several phases battering at the Sandal line the ball was released and Joe Knowles threw a great pass to put Andy Rowley in at the corner. 15-12 to Lymm and with seven minutes to go could the 14 men hold on?
Sandal put the pressure on but the Lymm defence stood firm until the final minute, when a high tackle was penalised with a penalty just right of the posts on the 22 metre line. The Sandal kicker who had been so good all day inexplicably hooked it wide. The game was re-started and Lymm bundled the ball into touch to secure a heroic win.
In what was a classic game of two-halves, there was common agreement that with a try count of 3-0 Lymm were worthy winners. This was another great performance from Lymm who have found their form in the last few weeks of the season, on the day they had the sharper attacking edge with the wind and a sterling defence. For Sandal the Crouchley Lane hoodoo continues.
Next Saturday Lymm are at home to Burnage KO 3pm. They are also holding their annual Player Reunion with a pre match buffet from 1pm. 1962/63 season former captain James Hutchings will be attending.

Squad: 1) Mike Auden, 2) Ross White, 3) Jordan Widdrington, 4) Alex Kahui, 5) Sion Williams (C), 6) Jake Ashall, 7) Kieron Williams, 8) Adam Bray, 9) George Boaden, 10) Rhys Jones, 11) Cormac Nolan, 12) Tom Bray, 13) Dave Williamson, 14) Andy Rowley, 15) Joe Knowles,16) Sam Mullarkey, 17) Joe McGrail, 18) Nick Ashton


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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