Heaton Moor 22
Lymm 51

Bank Holiday weekend marked the end of a long journey together for Lymm Colts, their coaches and their ever supportive parents.

Although it would have been nice to finish their 12 years together at Beechwood, Lymm could not have wished for a better venue than Heaton Moor Sports Club. Moor’s excellent hospitality and facilities provided a fitting venue for Finals Day. Lymm were also delighted that Chris Barrett or ‘Homesey’ as he is affectionately known at Lymm was the coach of the opposition and was the organiser of an excellent afternoon of rugby.

Coaches who have played with Homesey knew that Lymm would have to pass a stern test if, they were to finish their season with the treble of ‘A’ Colts League Champions, Cheshire Cup and NW League Cup winners. The forwards were told to expect a pack of strong scrummagers with ferocity at the break down.

Unfortunately the Lymm players took a more relaxed attitude than their coaches to the start of the game and had to resort to kicking a penalty to take the lead. Thankfully a try by Lymm soon after gave them an 8 nil lead despite some excellent play by the opposition.

Lymm felt a try fest was available to them. Many of the forwards formed an orderly queue with the backs waiting for the ball rather than doing their job. A Heaton Moor interception inevitably ensued and they were back in the game. 7- 8. The bars emptied as news of a possible upset circulated. Were the mighty Lymm team going to fall at the final hurdle?

Thankfully some strong words from the coaching staff focused a few minds and Lymm were able to score 2 quick tries with 1 conversion giving Lymm a 20 – 12 lead at the break.

Once again Lymm failed to keep to their tried and trusted game plan and conceded a try early in the second half. Only a penalty separated the sides at 17–20. It was definitely ‘squeaky bum’ time for the Lymm supporters who became more vocal than usual trying to lift the boys in green.

Joe Johnson had been upset that he had conceded a penalty which eventually led to the Moor try. He responded in the perfect way by cutting the Moor defence to shreds and scoring under the posts for a sensational try. 17-27

Because of ‘Jonno’s’ example Lymm finally found some rhythm. A sweeping move down the left wing orchestrated by Alfie Simpson and George Norman was finished with the electric pace of Joe Senior. 17 – 34.

In a highly entertaining game Moor were still not beaten scoring a classic ‘Homesey’ try with a driving maul from a line out. 22-34

Sadly for Homesey and his team their superb effort at the break down and in defence was starting to take its toll and Lymm finally realised that a large pack do not like defending out wide. 3 more Lymm tries followed producing a score line of 22 – 51 which flattered Lymm and which certainly did not disgrace Moor.

The curtain comes down on 11 years together as a team playing entertaining rugby as their mantra. A delicate balance has been achieved by David Simpson between the pursuit of excellence and the insistence of inclusivity for all members of the squad. Everyone has had fun, laughter and created life–long friendships ….and won the odd few dozen trophies along the way.  The coaches hope that the legacy of this team will be a successful Lymm 1st XV for many years to come and for all the boys to enjoy their rugby wherever life takes them in the future with the reassurance that Lymm RFC will always welcome them home.

Teamsheet