1st XV Away to Tynedale – Saturday 12th October 2024

On Saturday, Lymm head off on their longest away trip of the season to Corbridge in Northumbria where they will take on Tynedale. The rivalry between the two clubs goes back to September 1985 when Tynedale entertained Lymm in the 1st Round of the John Player Special Cup – a time when this was the only national cup competition being played and tobacco sponsorship of sport was seen as perfectly acceptable!

Tynedale prevailed 22-0 on that day but it is a fixture with fond memories for both clubs, with photos of the encounter still holding pride of place on the walls of the welcoming Tynedale clubhouse. Lymm’s squad that day included 6 individuals who subsequently have gone on to hold one or more of the President, Chairman or Director roles at our club.

Jumping forward a couple of generations and last season, following Lymm’s promotion to National 2, the rivalry was reignited, with both clubs registering home victories in the two matches. The match at Corbridge in January was a topsy turvy affair with Lymm, cold off the bus, conceding a try in the opening minute of the match (0-5) only to dominate the next 38 minutes to lead 18-5 before conceding another try to the last play of the half (18-10). The second half though belonged entirely to the Northumbrians as they racked up 26 unanswered points to romp home 36-18 victors.

As they head north on Saturday morning Lymm will have confidence from their 100% record in the 5 matches played so far this season as they sit at the top of the table. Tynedale on the other hand lie in 12th position but although winless so far have registered two draws in “nip and tuck” encounters. Notwithstanding, the early season differing fortunes of the two teams, Lymm know for sure that they will have a tough task if they are to come away from the North-East with the spoils.

There should be an extra bit of spice in this Saturday’s match as there will be a trophy at stake. The trophy has been donated by a long-time Lymm member Ian “Tynedale” McKenzie, who has represented both clubs. His idea is that the trophy is contested every time the two clubs play each other in any capacity. When asked what was behind the idea Ian said “Bottom line is that I’ve enjoyed a wonderful time and made great friends at both clubs. Added to this is that both Tynedale and Lymm have very similar values in attitude, spirit and welcome, both on and off the pitch. So I thought “Why not?” The trophy is inscribed “two proper rugby clubs”, the most sincere compliment I can make”.

We’ll find out the identity of the inaugural winners sometime before 5-o-clock on Saturday

May the best team win!

Other Fixtures this Weekend:

Lymm 2nd XV away to Blackburn 2nds KO 2pm in the NOWIRUL Bathtime Premier League