Sheffield Tigers 42 Lymm 22 Report by David Fernyhough
LYMM tasted defeat for a second consecutive week as a young side bravely went down at high flying Sheffield Tigers.
A noticeably reduced number of Lymm supporters than usual made the journey to Door Moor. Whether this was due to the 6 Nations, having a better offer from some “mates” you’ve not seen for some time or the fear of our traditional thrashing there is unclear, but those who did attend were rewarded with an enjoyable afternoon of competitive rugby and good company.
With a very strong wind running straight down the pitch and temperatures a bit chilly due to altitude, the teams would have to work against the elements as well as the opposition, and both coped admirably.
The home side started the game very brightly. The pace of their No 12 (Outram) and full back (Swatkins) combined to create a chance almost from the kick-off. Lymm rallied defensively and were able to clear their lines with a fine kick that took full advantage of the wind behind their backs. The kick made a good 80 yards were Lymm were able to regain possession deep in Tigers territory and worked a 2 man overlap on their left. They were unable to exploit this opportunity but reloaded and broke the other way which opened a huge gap for Ollie Higginson to trot through and open the scoring. 0 – 5.
Cormac Nolan’s conversion attempt was missed.
Lymm would be gifted possession again as Sheffield knocked on from the kick-off. This opportunity was well used by the visitors as they made a sustained effort to keep the ball moving, and to do the same to the home side’s defence. They could not however gain the territory to threaten the Tigers line.
Whilst Lymm’s pack were displaying their mobility, the Sheffield pack were to show their power. A scrum just inside Lymm’s half was demolished by the home pack and resulted in a line out 15 metres from the try line. The subsequent interplay between the Tigers half backs saw number 10 (Ireland) dash over for their opening score and the conversion was good, 7 – 5.
Lymm’s failure to handle the restart allowed Sheffield’s backs to show their electric pace and add to their score. An excellent line by the influential Outram was followed by a deft pass to winger Packard who scorched away for a nice try. Again the try was converted, 14 – 5.
Tigers were soon knocking on Lymm’ door again and the small but jolly bunch of Lymm supporters began to fear the same outcome as in previous visits. The back line once more carved holes in Lymm’s defence through scrum half Holmes. Nolan however intercepted his pass on the wing and cleared his lines well. The wind though was to push the ball across the opposition dead ball line and back the ball came into Lymm territory.
The visitors found their feet again and were able to put a period of attacking pressure together. A Sheffield knock on gave Lymm a clear scoring opportunity and this was exploited with a patient, well worked try for Halford which Nolan converted. 14 – 12.
Tigers’ restart was affected by the stiff wind, but eventually they were able to sort themselves out and build pressure near Lymm’s goal. Again their combination of forward power and incisive back play saw them score again, this time Holmes taking advantage of a gap. The conversion took the score to 21 – 12.
Nolan added a penalty to Lymm’s total, which kept them in the game at this point, 21 – 15.
Swatkins at full back for the Yorkshiremen was starting to display his clear threat but Lymm’s continued defensive determination kept him at bay. Indeed it would be Lymm who would come closest to scoring as the half came to a close but a Callum Harris break of 30 metres was undone by a knock on from his pass.
Half time, 21 – 15.
The supporters of both clubs enjoyed dissecting the first half but the very nice Mr David Wing would be unable to see his team’s second half as he had to leave to take his wife to the ballet. Both home and away fans waved him off.
The second half began with Tigers demonstrating their undoubted power at the scrum with the entire Lymm front row being lifted off their feet. This power set up their next score with Ireland crashing over from 5 metres out 28 – 15.
Lymm held up Sheffield’s next effort, from a line out and maul, however it wouldn’t be long until they did score again, this time Symcox, their number 8, powered over in the corner. 35 – 15.
It is a testimony to the character of Adam Fletcher’s young squad that they were not prepared to capitulate at this point. Young Mark Dixon, who had hitherto spent most of the game little used on the left wing, moved to his more accustomed fly half position (a move which flummoxed the match announcer who had attributed every score for Lymm so far to Mark!) Tom Shard came on as scrum half and Tom Bray moved to the three quarters.
A re-energised Lymm responded to a 40 metre break by second row Aaron Rasheed but Harris could not quite reach his pass. This was followed by a Nolan kick return which set Lymm up in Sheffield’s 10 metres. Sheffield knocked on whilst defending Lymm pressure and from the scrum Lymm got an unlikely Scrum penalty. From the penalty Dixon chipped the ball forward and Rasheed pounced to give Lymm a third try. Conversion by Nolan, 35 – 22.
Tigers responded through their pacy 12 again but Lymm scrambled well to temporarily halt the home side adding to their total. However, they would soon power over for a final score, this time through Ireland, 42 – 22.
Lymm fought to the end with Harris and the outstanding Ollie Higginson both making good yards.
The home fans were very complimentary about the Lymm performance and enjoyed the real challenge they had been offered. Supporters of both sides remarked on the benefits of Nige Worton’s absence, and the character shown by the young and athletic Lymm boys.
A satisfied coach Fletcher mused “I don’t think the lads could have responded like that if Nigel had been here.”
Older supporters of Warrington Rugby League club will remember the late, great, Jim Challinor who played for the club in the late 50’s and 60’s. He would be proud of his two grandsons Aaron Rasheed and Richard Halford who both play for Lymm 1st XV. Richard, like his grandfather at Centre, Aaron at 2nd Row or flanker. Jim’s wife, Wendy, was there at Sheffield to watch them with Richard’s dad and mum (Wendy’s daughter) and watches them regularly.
Lymm face a number of home games which should see them get closer to the top 3 finish that still beckons. Tigers face the opportunity to ply their undoubted talents in the league above next season. The next 1st XV match is on 2nd April, when Lymm are at home to Stockport. There will also be a past players reunion and buffet lunch from 1pm for this game. There is a match at Lymm on Easter Saturday, when Lymm 2’s play Macclesfield 2’s
SQUAD: 1) Jordan Widdrington, 2) Ross White, 3) Dan Horton, 4) Zak Lythgoe, 5) Jack Harper, 6) Will Baldwin, 7) Adam Bray (C), 8) Ollie Higginson, 9) Tom Baker, 10) Tom Bray, 11) Cormac Nolan, 12) Callum Harris, 13) Rick Halford, 14) Mark Dixon, 15) Joe Knowles) 16) Tom Shard, 17) Mike Auden, 18) Aaron Rasheed
