Sheffield Tigers 59 Lymm 15 Report by Dave Fernyhough
LYMM Rugby Union were torn apart by Sheffield Tigers as they went down 59-15.
A large number of Lymm spectators enjoyed what was very much a party atmosphere surrounding this match. With Lymm seconds having no game, many of them travelled on the bus in support of the 1st team. The match had been preceded by a contest between mini rugby teams from each club, and it was good to see the young players lead out the senior teams.
The party off the pitch was in stark contrast to the challenges on it as Lymm were torn apart by Sheffield’s direct, powerful and speedy attack.
The early exchanges were scrappy with neither side able to make use of their possession. The ball was turned over regularly but Lymm were having the better of things in terms of territory. A penalty to Lymm from about half way was missed and a subsequent fine break by Tom Baker and Sam Mullarkey came to nothing.
Lymm continued to try and break the Sheffield defensive line with young fly half Mark Dixon showing flashes of threat. A period in which Sheffield could not get out of their own half ended when they retrieved a Lymm steal at the line out and showed their counter attacking threat with the lock forward, Redfern, eating up the ground to give the home side the opening score. 5 – 0
Lymm were able to respond with a Cormac Nolan penalty despite play continuing to be disjointed. 5 – 3
With knock-ons ending further Lymm efforts to add to their total, Sheffield became increasingly threatening. A quick tap penalty caught Lymm napping and ‘The Tigers’ took the score to 12 – 3.
Scrum half Shaw, and number 8 Destounis were proving a handful through the middle of the Lymm defence and the visitors were missing more and more tackles.
A Tiger’s penalty 10 metres from the Lymm line was perfectly executed with a quick ball to the short side giving them an easy run in. 17 – 3.
Shaw was instrumental in the next Sheffield score soon after. Patient running through the phases created gaps in Lymm’s defence and the Tigers stretched their lead to 24 v 3.
The second half had some bright moments for Lymm with Dixon showing some clever touches and Adam Bray creating a much needed bit of momentum for the Cheshire side. However a strong maul by Lymm lead to a Tigers possession and once again they tore through Lymm’s defence. 31 – 3.
Nice interplay between the substitute 9 George Boaden and Dixon gave Lymm a rare period of pressure in the Tigers 22. Adam Bray was able to capitalise on this with a nicely worked try. 31 – 8.
With it now becoming clear that Plumby looks uncannily like a fig, Mark Dixon was again involved in a Lymm mini fight back. Liaising well the strong running centre, Jake Ecclestone, he scored in the corner to take the score to 31 – 15.
The Yorkshiremen now began to show their power and ran riot against Lymm’s unconvincing tackling. Full back Swatkins and winger Packard made significant inroads unto Lymm territory and the tries started to flood in.
Lymm failed to find any response and the home side were deserved winners, 59 – 15.
This was one of Lymm’s heaviest defeats in recent seasons and the consensus of ‘them that know their rugger at Lymm’, was that The Tigers were the best team in the league and will be disappointed at not being in with a chance of promotion. However, money talks tall in South Yorkshire and they will be fortunate to hang on to some of the talent in their squad. Already Rotherham and neighbours Sheffield are circling to strengthen their squads for next season. On a positive note 14 of Lymm’s 18 man squad came through our M&J’s/Colts section.
Coach Fletcher made a comment which I can’t be bothered sharing with you as I’m still sulking about being censored last time.
Next Saturday sees the final league game of the season when Lymm welcome Billingham to Beechwood, KO 3pm. Prior to this the club have organised a family fun day to mark the end of the league programme. At 11am there is a triangular junior tournament between Lymm, Heaton Moor and our friends from Portugal – Academia de Coimbra. Then at 1pm Lymm Colts will play Billingham Colts. Admission is free and everybody is welcome to come and see Lymm RFC at its organisational best. There will be a marquee with other entertainment and music and an optional buffet at £10 per head.
Squad: 1) Mike Auden, 2) Ross White, 3) Nick Ashton 4) Alex Kahui, 5) Sion Williams (C), 6) Jake Ashall, 7) Sam Mullarkey, 8) Adam Bray, 9), Tom Baker, 10) Mark Dixon, 11) Dave Williamson, 12) Tom Bray, 13) Jake Ecclestone, 14) Cormac Nolan, 15) Joe Knowles,16) Aaron Rasheed, 17) Dan Horton, 18) George Boaden
