Presidents Welcome to Kendal 21st January 2023

On Saturday we extend a warm welcome to our Cumbrian neighbours Kendal, who are currently finding life at this level a little tough although they have surely secured their place for next season as they currently sit in 10^th place with 29 points. They arrive at Beechwood full of confidence and form after last weekend’s 41-0 home victory over near neighbours Kirkby Lonsdale, who despite their admirable commitment have yet to register a league point this season.  Burnage, who currently sit 11^th, now look likely to be relegated as they are 17 points away from catching our opponents today and climbing out of the ‘drop zone’. A very tall order indeed!

At the other end of the table Blackburn continue to lead the charge, 7 points ahead of Lymm in second.  However, we do have a game in hand and as such the possibility to get within 2 points and make the promotion battle very interesting. Our last home game proved what a quality side Lymm are, as we avenged Blackburn’s convincing home win from earlier in the season with an assured and thrilling 38-21 victory. All we can do is make sure we keep the pressure on by continuing to win games and hope that the entertaining style we continue to play produces the required level of bonus points. Remember, ’There is many a slip between cup and lip’, Blackburn!!

The season is far from over for Lymm and last week we continued to entertain in style and secure a 14-87 victory at Burnage. A game in which both teams contributed some excellent entertaining rugby.

In my playing days I was fortunate to observe (usually whilst going backwards in a scrum!) the likes of Wrighty, Birdy and Huw Thomas scoring multiple hat-tricks, and sometimes even 4 or 5 in a game! As a hooker I could accept this, and just hoped that one day all the hard work in the forwards would perhaps see a reward and to be able to share the thrill of scoring a try. Whilst I am incredibly proud of scoring 4 tries, I must admit they were spread over at least 10 seasons and so to watch ‘Moose’ score 4 in a one game and ‘Pitch’ to pop up and score one as replacement hooker as well, was quite frankly ridiculous and incredulous!! There will be an appropriate sanction taken by the ‘front row union’ in the clubhouse at some point – they have been warned!!!!

As I write my notes it is with great pleasure that the first England squad announced by new coach Steve Borthwick sees former Lymm player, Alex Mitchell, recalled to the squad as the in-form Premiership scrum half. Let’s hope he gets the chance to have a decent run in the side and compete for a World Cup place. We wish him well.

Enjoy the game and see you in the bar later.

Cheers

Neil Kelly, President