Lymm ease pressure

LYMM Rugby Union recorded a bonus point win over strugglers Rochdale to maintain their fine home record and alleviate the pressure of recent weeks.
The points now put Lymm 8th in the league table and 8 points from safety.
Captain Oakes was able to start, after injury, allowing Adam Bray to switch to 8 replacing the injured Pickles. Deadly Dave Williamson was moved to the wing to give Tom Bray a start at 13. Mike Swetman, injured for 5 months, was on the bench alongside old timers Millachip and Sutton. Scott Harrison returned after work commitments.
The visitors have had a torrid season, notching only 1 win and 7 points from their 15 games. A good start was essential and Lymm got off to a flyer, a fine Emmitt penalty and then a well worked 4th phase try for Tom Bray gave the home side a 8-0 lead after just 6 mins.
Rochdale immediately had the chance to reduce the deficit with a penalty on 8 but missed and then, when Lymm looked in total control, a series of niggly penalties and poor handling prevented the home team from capitalizing, leaving the hosts 8-0 up at the break.
Lymm tend to play better in the first half and there were genuine fears of an upset when the Rochdale centre flew past a static defence on 43 to make it 8-5.
Lymm then made some inspired substitutions. All three were brought on to freshen the hosts play and immediately Lymm upped their game. A Higginson try on 58 and
another Emmitt penalty took the score to 16-5 and Lymm’s defence looked too strong for the weakening Rochdale backs. Excellent defensive work from Emmitt and then, later, Sutton secured ball and further tries from Tom Bray and, then, magically Joe Knowles secured the bonus point with a 28 – 5 victory.
Lymm have tougher matches to come to secure their place in this league for next season but these 5 points may be crucial in the end of season shake up.
Head coach Chris Kinsey was pleased saying: “ We improved the patterns in the 1st and 4th quarters and that saw us produce some good rugby. We must replicate this for 80 mins to beat Stockport this week”
Lymm seconds had an impressive win in the Raging Bull Cup, beating LSH away 66-15. A hat trick form Jack Johnstone and tries from Briggs, Mcevoy, Bray and Richard Butler ensured they continue their fine season. They are now away to Fylde on 23 March (a Wednesday) in the quarter final.
Coach Millington was enthused: “The lads were outstanding today and it was great to get such a result after so much disruption. The new lads made big contributions and we hope we can carry this form into our next league fixtures”
Lymm thirds took a giant step towards seemingly inevitable promotion with a fine 30-8 win over Wilmslow. Tries from inspired skipper Rathbone, Boaden, Adi and a length of the field interception from speedster Norcott along with the metronomic Roberts kicking the extras secured the win against the 2nd placed team in the league. Lymm are now 15 points clear with 10 games remaining.
15 Joe Knowles 14 Dave Williamson 13 Tom Bray 12 Adam Fletcher 11 Luke Emmitt 10 Andy Roberts 9 Chris Kinsey 1 Scott Harrison 2 Tim Oakes 3 Jordan Widdrington 4 Tom Darbyshire 5 Darius Miksys 6 Ollie Higginson 7 Jake Ashall 8 Adam Bray 16 Mike Swetman 17 Mark Sutton 18 Peter Millachip.