The Beechwood Briefing

This Saturday we extend the hand of friendship to our friends and neighbours, ‘The Blacks’, of Northwich. It is fair to say that this season, following their recent promotion and the problems caused by the pandemic, has seen them struggle. Despite the results, they are to be congratulated for their spirit, commitment, and attitude to ‘never say die’. Last week they were able to field 4 senior sides for the first time this season which in my view is a testament to the club, its spectators and the players. If Grassroots rugby is to survive, we need Northwich and the shining example they set.

Lymm have hit a ‘seam’ of playing some of the best rugby they have played in a while, backing up the away win at Wirral with a stunning home win against Alnwick that saw us take a 35 -0 lead just after half time. The rugby was fantastic and then for whatever reason (and a few strange decisions) we found ourselves having to hold on for victory and allowed Alnwick to obtain two losing bonus points, before the game ended (with perhaps on the strangest penalty try decision I have seen) at 35-28!!

The game certainly had the Lymm crowd and dugout on its feet however, let’s remember our core value of respect which extends to players, spectators and officials alike. We do not want our game going the way of the so called ‘beautiful’ one!

Last weekend we were forced into making 9 changes in the 1st team, mainly due to skiing holiday commitments, for the trip to Burnage where we were searching for a double. Magnificent is the only word to describe our defence, as we ran out worthy winners at 0-49. Our tackling was equally matched by the entertaining attacking rugby produced by every one of the team.

A performance today of anywhere near the defensive and attacking capability shown in the last few weeks will mean we are in for a treat, that is of course if our old enemy, complacency, is not selected!

Finally, please note that the Rossendale home fixture, postponed before Christmas, is now scheduled to be played next Saturday 5^th February. Kick off is 2.15 pm which gives plenty of time to watch the Scotland v England 6 Nations game at 16.45pm, though I suspect you will not see as much entertaining rugby in the later game!!

Enjoy the game and I hope to see you in the bar for another celebratory drink or two!

Please note the 2nds game away to Sedgley Park has been cancelled due to a Covid outbreak amongst the Sedgley players.

Neil Kelly – President