by Peter Cornelia
LYMM Rugby Union completed their pre-season fixtures ahead of Saturday’s league opener away at Billingham, with a 31-38 defeat at home to Huddersfield.
The match was played over 4x 20 minute sessions. Both clubs had a large squad of players enabling the coaches to ensure that everybody got onto the park at some stage.
Lymm were missing a number of players due to holiday or the attraction of Warrington RL club being at Wembley. This didn’t detract from an entertaining rugby display from both teams at Beechwood, which had benefitted from welcome rain during the week but sunny skies for the match.
Lymm were 14-0 up after 6minutes, following two excellent team tries from deep in their own half. The first came, with barely 1minute on the clock. A break from his 22 by centre James Kimber, was continued by Matty Connelly and Olli Higginson who then sent over Sam Mullarkey out on the right. Cormac Nolan converted, (7-0). Nolan was involved with the next try, making a lovely break from his own half he passed to right wing Joe Denman who crossed in the corner. Nolan again added the extras, (14-0).
The game was played at a fast pace as both sides spread the ball wide and probed for defensive flaws. The next score came from the visitors. Putting pressure on in the Lymm 22 they were rewarded with a try from by Lewis Bradley, converted by Will Milner, (14-7).
Both teams made changes for the second ¼ and Huddersfield with tries from Elliot Knight and Lewis Workman took the lead, both being converted by Will Milner. However, before the end of the second 1/4, James Kimber crossed for an unconverted try, (19-21).
Huddersfield had some big forwards to select from, with some tall, lineout jumpers and probably had the edge in the set pieces. Lymm had four recent years colts in their forwards squad, who hadn’t played 1st team rugby before. However, they all fronted up really well and will benefit from the experience. In the third ¼ Huddersfield increased their lead with another Workman try, which he converted and one from No8 Richard Piper following a well drilled 5m scrum, (19-33).
In the final ¼, Head Coach Adam Fletcher, introduced the remaining squad members, mainly our young ex colts. Lymm took the game to their opponents and scored two excellent tries by Connelly and Reece Forrest, the latter being converted by Scott Redfern, (31-33). But with only a couple of minutes to go, Huddersfield scored a final unconverted try by Joe Stott, following a quick 5m tap penalty.
Coach Fletcher summarised, “A really positive performance from all involved. Huddersfield are a strong side with some really good players, so to perform how we did was pleasing.
“We got into our attacking shape early, scoring 3 great tries off the back of this shape. At times we struggled with Huddersfield power game but I’m happy with how the lads defended.
“I thought all the boys put their hands up for selection next week so selection should be fun. It was great to have Ali Wealthall and Giles Dugdale back in the pitch for us. Ali hasn’t played for us since the opening fixture 2 seasons ago, he fitted straight back in.
“Billingham will be super tough next week. It’s probably one of the hardest opening day fixtures out there. They play a superb brand of rugby so we will have to be on it from the 1st minute if we are wanting to bring the 5 points home”.
Next Saturday, Lymm 2’s are at home to Macclesfield 2’s and Lymm Eagles are at home to Prenton 2’s. Lymm Kestrals are away against Manchester 2’s
Senior Squad vs Huddersfield
Forwards – Gav Woods, Matty Hand – (Snr Colt season before last), Dan Horton, Jordan Widdrington , Rob Makin, James Pitcher – (Snr Colt season before last), Zak Lythgoe, Rhys Lilly – (Snr Colt last season), Matty Connelly, Sam Mullarkey, Adam Bray, Rory Riddell – (Snr Colt season before last), Joe Dowdeswell – (Snr Colt season before last), Oli Higginson
Backs – Andy Davies, Tom Bray, Scott Redfern, Ali Wealthall, James Kimber Josh Davies – (Snr Colt Season before last), Joe Denman, Giles Dugdale, Reece Forest, Cormac Nolan, Josh Hamer – (Snr Colt season before last), Luke Richards
