Final League Game of the Season – Welcome to Northwich

On Saturday we come to the final game of our league season and in doing so welcome our Cheshire neighbours the ‘Blacks of Northwich’. They come to Beechwood off the back of a victory over Kirkby Lonsdale, who despite their heroic efforts will leave the league this year quite possibly without scoring any league points. Blackburn’s massive defeat of KL a couple of weeks ago was perhaps the most surprising result of the season with the 190 – 0 scoreline effectively wiping out our 200 points difference advantage over them. Today we sit on top of the league, 5 points ahead of them albeit having played one game more, with a precious points difference advantage of 42. Next weekend they play their game in hand at Manchester and therefore go into their final match of the season knowing exactly what they must do to pip us to promotion. In my view this seems a little unfair given how close the promotion race has been.

Irrespective of the outcome next weekend there is no doubt who sits top when it comes to the standard of entertainment.  This Lymm team have produced some scintillating rugby throughout the season. As a fan and committed follower it has been a privilege to witness and for that I pass on my thanks, on behalf of us all, to the coaches and players who have done such a magnificent job. The season has seen some notable moments punctuated by glorious tries as the product of determination, commitment and skill. Over 1,000 points have been scored, 20 of which came from a certain hooker in a single game! Last week saw stalwart Joe Watson, make his 100^th appearance and today will hopefully see ‘CMac’ pass his 2,000 points scored and yet another landmark in an outstanding contribution to the club over many years.  In a determined effort to keep pace with the youngsters in addition to his 100 games plus as a player, today sees our Director of Rugby, Adam in charge of his 200^th game as coach. Well done Fletch!

To mark this occasion there will be a Gaurd of Honour for the team from many of our M&J players and we urge anyone with an interest in rugby to come down and give their vocal support. The Halfway House will be open from 1pm for beer and refreshments.

Junior Rugby continues to thrive at Lymm and our U16s play Anselmians U16s in the Cheshire Cup Final at Anselmians on Sunday with a  3pm KO.  Any support would be greatly appreciated by the lads and we send them our best wishes for the game. Good luck boys!!

Today is my last League game as President as I shall be standing down at the AGM after 4 years in office. I hope you have enjoyed my programme notes and for those that have sampled the pre-match lunches, I think you will agree that everyone at Lymm is working hard to develop our Club and the experience our members and sponsors can enjoy. A special note of thanks to Alan, Lydia and all the team for their efforts in making the club run smoothly. We are also fortunate to have such a dedicated team of volunteers, complemented by the Exec and Board’s commitment, to secure the best possible future for our Club. Long may our approach to the game and our pride in our amateur status continue. It has been with immense satisfaction that I have repeatedly had to confirm to opposition Ali’s that we do not pay our players and never will!

Thanks for your support and so ‘once more into the breach my dear friends’ as we make Blackburn’s challenge as difficult as we possible can by getting right behind the boys today and cheering them on to what I hope is a comprehensive win.

See you in the Bar later where we shall be showing the England game followed by a live band!!

Neil Kelly, President