Presidents Welcome To Alnwick

Happy New Year to all our members and welcome back to Beechwood for the first league game of the year, against our old friends who will have made the long journey south from Alnwick. I would particularly like to extend the warm Lymm hand of friendship, as it is with regret that it now looks highly likely that this may be the last scheduled game between us for some considerable time as the RFU have unveiled their plans for the reorganised league. Over the years many of you have travelled to Alnwick and enjoyed the hospitality, as well as the fantastic local countryside, and so for all visiting supporters and players I hope you enjoy our home, hospitality and your visit to Cheshire.

The fixture at the start of the season at Alnwick, already having been rearranged due to an unfortunate COVID positive results being delivered to the team bus on our previous attempt, was played under some appalling weather conditions and for much of the game it was closely contested however, Alnwick ran away comfortable winners 52-21. I suspect a home crowd, the AGP and last weekends excellent performance against local rivals Wirral may make this a tighter game. The contest is made even more interesting as victory could see us move above Alnwick who currently sit one place above us at sixth place, though they do have a game “in hand”.

Last weekend saw our seconds record an excellent win against a Fylde seconds (“21-12) and no fewer than six of Lymm’s senior colts represent Cheshire and secure an excellent victory 31 -22 over Northumberland. Let’s hope the result in todays Cheshire v Northumberland follows a similar score line!

Thank you once again to the “Old Forkers”, who continue to maintain our pitches and facilities excellently, turning out in all weathers and temperatures.

A huge thank also must go to the Panto crew who once again produced a magnificent show. I was asked by a member of the audience, via a message left behind the bar, if I could give him a ring. He expressed his deep regret as follows …. “Me and my Wife have lived in Lymm for 40 years and this was the first time we have visited the panto, what a waste! We will be the first in the queue from now on. It was brilliant, a great seating arrangement and well worth the money!”

A fantastic review and we have a new member!!!

Finally, despite writing several Program notes I have never claimed to be an Author, however this has now changed with the publication of my Children’s novel “Grandpa and Phoebe’s Amazing Adventures- The lost Golf Ball triplets” . It is an adventure story aimed at 7–10-year-olds or for Parents who enjoy reading to younger children. I am donating any royalties on sales 50/50 with the Alzheimer’s Society and Lymm Grassroots. Further details are available on the club website or Amazon and some copies are behind the bar. It will make a great gift for friends, neighbours, pets etc!!

Best wishes

Neil Kelly – President