Presidents Welcome – Saturday 11th February 2023

On Saturday we welcome our Cheshire neighbours Wirral, who though freshly rested from a blank fixture last weekend will be met, I am delighted to say, by battle hardened league leaders after what was an impressive second half comeback to beat Sandbach 29-14.  The bonus point win takes us above Blackburn into the top spot by 3 precious points albeit they have a game in hand.

Unfortunately, several of the Ali’s and I were away in Austria on what proved to be a largely ‘white out’ ski trip with most of the time being spent in one of several warm bars watching sport and of course discussing the finer points of Lymm’s season to date, whilst anxiously waiting for news to come through on the ‘Old Gits’ WhatsApp group. The frustration of watching England squander yet another winning position to lose to Scotland was incidental compared to the tension generated as we heard that the boys were 14 points down by half time with the visitors having the run of the game! This required a few drinks to calm the Ali’s nerves, but we always remained confident that, despite the quality of the opposition and the odd yellow card, Lymm would fight back and so they did with a superb second-half effort from everyone. The title race is far from over and all we can do is continue to win our remaining games, with the maximum bonus points, so keeping pressure on Blackburn.

Wirral are on a run of 5 consecutive league wins and will provide us with another stern test today. We will have to be on top of our game if we are to achieve ’t double’ following our 12-32 Bonfire Night victory, which in typically seasonal weather was a very wet affair that at one point was played in a monsoon. Let’s hope that today is drier and that once again the AGP enables both sides to play some fast, entertaining rugby.

The free scoring rugby we have been treated to since New Year has lead to Lymm being recognised by the RFU as January’s Team of the Month for Level 5 with 4 wins from 4 and a massive points difference of +236.  The Club is extremely proud of this fantastic achievement. Well done to all the players and coaching staff.

As a double celebration this week, the England selectors have finally acted on what many people having been saying for some time; that is former Lymm scrum half Alex Mitchell is worthy of a place in the England team. Here’s hoping he gets his chance to come off the bench at Twickenham tomorrow and make his 6 Nations debut.

In other news please make a note in your diaries for the Macclesfield game on February 18^th which will also be the ‘Past Players’ do and an excellent chance to catch up with old mates over a buffet and a pint. Please let Tony Wright know if you are planning to attend in order that we can arrange an appropriate beer order!!

Finally, it is with sadness that we announce the passing of Heather Cartwright, mother of JC, who along with her husband ‘Magic Sponge’ Joe and all their family have been great supporters of the Club since the early 70’s. Our condolences and prayers go out to all the Family.