Lymm RFC v Chester RUFC – Saturday 21st December 2024

In the blink of an eye, we are at the half way point in the season – where has that time gone! Anyway…as usual, it gives me enormous pleasure to welcome you to Beechwood for our 14th league fixture (and 7th home game) of the season.  I would also like to extend a very warm welcome to our visitors (and old friends) today, Chester RUFC.

In last week’s President’s Welcome for the game against Preston Grasshoppers, and in the context of our defeat at the hands of Sheffield the week before, I quoted one of the great coaches in American sport (Vince Lombardi) who said” It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get back up” and so it was that we ‘got back up’ … eventually. Hoppers were also looking to bounce back after a poor performance against Hull Ionians the week before, where they failed to put a point on the board. It was our opposition who came out of the traps fastest, grabbing two tries in the opening 15 minutes but, whilst not playing with the flair that we have become accustomed to, Lymm scored 3 tries in the 1st half and at Half Time the score was 21 – 12 to Lymm.

The second half was a tale of yellow cards (Lymm: 2; Hoppers: 1) with both teams also trading scores. With 10 minutes to play, Hoppers were awarded a penalty, which they converted and took the lead, 28-29. It was only then that Lymm ‘clicked’ and began playing the style of rugby to which we have become accustomed this season. Hoppers’ Match Report described the closing minutes of the game as follows: “Lymm spoiled Hoppers party, with two tries in the closing five minutes, the first from Wadsworth who sprinted 50 metres into the corner“.  Full Time: Lymm 42 – Preston Grasshoppers 29.

Before we played Wharfedale at Beechwood in November, they said of Lymm in their pre-match review that “as impressive as the results themselves, is Lymm’s apparent ability to win ugly, witness their win by a one point margin at Sheffield Tigers”.  Although not an ‘ugly win’ in terms of points against Hoppers, we managed to win when not playing at our best, which (as much as we love the style and defensive resolve of Lymm playing at their best) is a huge positive.

As for Chester, last weekend, although winning (20-15) at half time, they lost at home to Sheffield 31-43. It is a credit to our game that both Lymm and Chester each acknowledged following their respective defeats at the hands of Sheffield that their opponents “were deserved winners”.  Being humble in victory and gracious in defeat is a quality to be much admired.  Chester will, therefore, be looking to come back, not only from their defeat last weekend but also from their defeat (19-51) at the hands of Lymm in the second game of the season.  They will, I suspect, be hoping for Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan moment – ‘revenge is a dish best served cold’ but I am sure that Lymm will have other ideas …

Lymm 2s had an excellent 33 -29 victory at home against at Macclesfield 2s, which takes them in to a very creditable 4th place in the league.  For the second week running, Lymm Eagles had no game due to the opposition not being able to field a side but remain in 2nd place in their league, 7 points behind Manchester Medics but with 3 games in hand.

This weekend Lymm 2s are at home to Wirral 2s. The Eagles were supposed to be playing Liverpool University Veterinarians but, as with last week’s match, their opposition are unable to field a team. Frustrating …

As usual, I’d like to wish all of the teams, their coaches and support staff, who represent Lymm at every level, from Minis & Juniors up to Senior Rugby the best of luck this weekend.

Finally, this is our last fixture before the festive break so I hope that you and your families have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy and prosperous New Year.