Much needed win for Lymm

LYMM Rugby Union notched their first away win in seven games with a fine performance against Sandal.
The win was a massive step forward in Lymm’s attempts to avoid the drop and their future at this level is very much in their hands. With seven games remaining, of which four are now at home, any win away is vital and Lymm’s intensity, evident against Stockport and in the second half at Penrith delivered the platform in attack and defence.
Coach Kinsey shuffled his team for this crucial game. Mercurial Knowles switched to 10, Williamson to his preferred 15, Higginson to the row and old timer Millachip started at 6. Tom Bray was recalled to 13.
Oakes won an important toss and decided to play uphill in the 1st half. He would have reflected on this decision when Lymm were 8-0 down after just 11 mins. Wood, the Sandal 10, notching a penalty and then scything through for a try.
Lymm did not flinch and 3 mins later Kinsey went right and found Jack Johnstone, who back to his best, tormented the defence and released Emmitt on the wing. The youngster impressively converted his own try from the touch line to make it 8-7.
Skipper Oakes went over on 34 to give Lymm the lead and the half finished with fine defensive work from Adam Bray and Fletcher as the hosts attempted to capitalize on the slope. Emmitt nudged a decent penalty on 40 mins to make it 15-8.
Whatever twinkle toed Scott Harrison did at half time is a mystery but in the opening 3 minutes of the second half he battered through to gain 25 metres to give Emmitt a tough penalty chance ,but was missed. Then again another 30 metres and Emmitt took the points to make it18-8.
The Lymm backs looked more composed and it was great to see Dave Williamson fly out of his own 22, find Jack Johnstone who left the defence dead, inside ball to Adam Bray and Jake Ashall finished off a superb try bringing the score to 8-23.
Lymm held firm and even though Wood went over again on 75 the visitors never looked likely to lose the game.
Man of the match Harrison credited the collective spirit, saying: “All the lads from 1-18 deserve credit for this victory. We need to build on this result and take it to next weeks game.”
Skipper Oakes had demanded more intensity and was also pleased “ the team has responded well to the pressure of this league this week and I was really happy with the overall performance of the team.”
Coach Kinsey highlighted that the “passion and desire to win” had returned.
Lymm now entertain Rossendale at Crouchley Lane, 3pm kick off.
15 Dave Williamson 14 Luke Emmitt 13 Tom Bray 12 Adam Fletcher 11 Jack Johnstone 10 Joe Knowles 9 Chris Kinsey 1 Scott Harrison 2 Tim Oakes 3 Jordan Widdrington 4 Tom Darbyshire 5 Ollie Higginson 6 Peter Millachip 7 Jake Ashall 8 Adam Bray 16 Mark Sutton 17 Andy Roberts 18 Darius Miksys.