by Neil Allen
LYMM travelled to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales to face Wharfedale in the last match of a highly successful frantic finale first season at level 4.
Having already secured their place in the league for next season, this game always had a feel of, ‘after the Lord Mayors Show’ with multiple retirements also signalled pre-match, the game itself had a secondary feel.
With the majority of Lymm having travelled to sample the Yorkshire hospitality the centre of Grassington resembled Lymmdale on Saturday morning, as spectators travelled in great numbers to celebrate the teams achievements and enjoy the local hostelries and some retail therapy.
In terms of the Lymm line-up, the notable change came in the shape of Jack Reynolds, who came in for Tom Shard at stand-off, who was unavailable due to the arrival of his second baby. Congratulations Tom on this and a great season. Jack Stride was also given a start at centre, in place of Steve Pilkington, who was not fully fit and only made the bench.
The entertaining Wharfedale tannoy announcer started proceedings with a wonderful tribute to the retiring Gav Woods and the game got underway in slight drizzle and with Lymm playing with the benefit of a slight breeze. The pattern for the day was set from the off, with Wharfedale looking to run the ball at every opportunity, and Lymm, Josh Hadland apart, being rather laissez faire in the art of defending and tackling.
After 2 minutes the Wharfedale prop picked up from a ruck on the half-way line and managed to go over under the posts unopposed. Lymm responded with a penalty from Jack Reynolds who enjoyed a 100% record from the kicking tee. Lymm then crafted a try of their own, a deft grubber kick by Reynolds was gathered by Alfie Simpson who dotted down to give Lymm the lead 10-7 after 10 minutes.
This was to be the last time Lymm would manage to get their noses in front, as Wharfedale upped the ante, led by the half-backs who were a constant menace all day, Wharfedale ran in 3 tries before the break, the last a penalty try which culminated in a yellow card for Matty Hand. To avoid uncontested scrums, the yellow card for Hand saw Jordan Widdrington enter the fray for his last game. This proved to be an entertaining final bow, culminating in a yellow card of his own, and a streak round the pitch at the final whistle, punishment due as he was try-less all season, to both the amusement and horror of the bumper crowd.
At 28-10 down Lymm were looking at a long afternoon ahead, but on the stroke of half time managed a score for themselves through the final retiree James Kimber, to make the score 28-17 at the break and give Lymm a glimmer of hope.
Half-Time – Wharfedale 28 – Lymm 17
The second half started more quietly with both sides making mistakes. Despite Lymm enjoying more possession the Wharfedale defence, which was excellent all day, proved a tough nut to crack. After soaking up all Lymm had to offer, Wharfedale went on the offensive and crossed the line twice to make it 42-17 after 55 minutes.
Lymm then finally got some reward for their probing as No 8 Oli Higginson (Pictured top) went over to take the score to 42-24. With fifteen minutes to go the game was now wide open with both sides throwing the ball about in full end-of-season mode. Lymm more than matched Wharfedale, with Callum Morris and the ever-present Paddy Jennings to the fore, but every Lymm mistake was pounced on by Wharfedale who were rather more clinical than Lymm. Lymm added one more score to at least record a bonus point, with Kimber going over for his second, a fitting end to a great career, to make the final score 59-31.
Final score: Wharfedale 59 – Lymm 31
This was not the end to the season Lymm would have wanted, but the day was less about the result and far more about what had gone before. The players, coaches and retirees should be enormously proud of all they have achieved and the pleasure they have given to the spectators as witnessed by the travelling Lymm posse.
Following this frantic season end, it was time for everyone to take a deep breath and look forward to doing it all again in September. Afterwards, when all league results were in, Lymm achieved 10th place above Preston, thereby retaining their position next season at this level, due to having one more, aforementioned bonus try point.
Director of Rugby Adam Fletcher commented on the match and the season as a whole: “We desperately wanted to put in a good performance for all the travelling support, unfortunately, we ran into a pretty hot Wharfedale side.
“Defensively we were poor and Wharfedale took advantage of this. I was pleased with the tries we scored and how we tried to attack.
“The support was brilliant and much appreciated and has been all season. The boys are looking forward to a well-deserved rest,” he concluded.
Team
Gav Woods (132); James Pitcher* (67); Matty Hand* (107); Rhys Lilly* (54); James Yates* (122); Harry Martin (55); Oli Higginson* (263); Josh Hadland* (38); Cal Morris (38); Jack Reynolds (21); Paddy Jennings* (52); James Kimber* (110); Jack Stride (11); Andy Williams* (23); Alfie Simpson* (30).
Bench
Jordan Widdrington* (243); Rob Makin* (64); Ben Thompson (30; Sam Wadsworth* (16); Ste Pilkington* (65).
Referee: Daniel Woods
