Hull Ionians 27 – 39 Lymm

Lymm off to a winning start

The new rugby season opened at Hull Ionians for Lymm on Saturday on what was a cloudy, still day and on a firm pitch that had had no more than a slight drizzle – ideal for a day of running rugby and so it proved.

Summer training had gone well and much commitment had been shown in terms of both numbers and effort to build fitness as the squad prepared for this day. However, ring rustiness was clearly evident for the visitors as they were pinged on seven occasions early on, for various infringements at the breakdown. Following one subsequent kick to the corner an efficient rolling maul by Ionians resulted in a converted try – 7 – 0 after 11 minutes.

Stung into action, and after their own attacking line out, slimline fly half Tom Shard, after shedding 3 stone in the close season, dinked a kick behind the Hull defensive line. A mis-field in the corner helped left wing, and captain for the day, Nathan Beesley touch down for an equalising score, as Shard expertly converted from wideout – 7 – 7 after 14 minutes.

Lymm then weathered a series of attacks by Hull until a penalty in front of the sticks gave the hosts a lead of 10 – 7 after 20 minutes.

Next it was Lymm’s turn to be awarded a penalty after a high tackle as Shard, once more, secured the points 28m out in front of the posts – 10 – 10 after 23 minutes.

Lymm were beginning to go through the phases and looked increasingly comfortable but lost the ball 20m from the try line. In what was clearly an outstanding opportunity for Hull, with a three man overlap, the fly half kicked downfield for position and the chance had gone.

Play then took place between the 22’s with no side dominating until some clever inter-play between forwards and backs set centre Jack Reynolds free to score near the posts after 36 minutes – 10 -17 with Shard’s straightforward conversion.

As half time approached Hull were keen to get back on terms and some shoddy defence by Lymm, followed by a technical free kick at scrum time gave the hosts an attacking line out but this was thwarted by No 8 Ollie Higginson. However, a dangerous tackle was spotted giving Hull a penalty 35m out which was converted as the half time whistle went – 13 – 17.

Half Time: Hull Ionians 13 – 17 Lymm

Lymm took the initiative early in the second half and attacked with some cohesion, but Hull defended stoutly with some effective counter-rucking. Lymm’s scrum half Cal Morris, who had kicked well but had been relatively quiet up to this point, then broke through and made good ground. A subsequent penalty deep into Hull territory allowed Shard to increase the lead to 13 – 20 after 43 minutes.

Another high tackle gave Hull an attacking line-out which, despite issues at their line-outs, and disruption by No 8 Higginson and debutant second row Joe Maskery, they once more scored from with a driving maul, making it 20 – 20 with the successful conversion on 48 minutes.

Another searching kick downfield kick from Morris was completely messed up by the Hull back three, and left wing Paddy Jennings, following up well as he so often does, simply picked up and strolled over – 20 – 27 with Shards conversion on 53 minutes.

A number of Lymm substitutes were made, in particular Sam Wadsworth at centre, making a welcome return to the Lymm ranks. It was now Lymm’s turn, following a kick to the corner, for a rolling maul to attack the line, and hooker Rob Makin barrelled over to score, clearly having taken over Shard’s excess poundage! The score was now 20 – 34 after 61 minutes, with Shard’s conversion, and daylight at last.

Then came the try of the match. Following a turnover in midfield centre Jack Reynolds, who had looked comfortable all day, saw the opportunity and fed his winger Nathan Beesley. Now in space, he beat the first man with ease, then calmly chipped through and won the race to touch the ball down for a skilful, well executed try.

The conversion was missed, surprising all, but the score was now 20 – 39 after 66 minutes. There was still time for James Pitcher at hooker and debutant Isaac Millachip at blindside, to enter the fray and he, in particular, received a warm reception from the Lymm supporters.

Hull were not finished and scored a converted try, from yet another rolling maul, on 77 minutes giving a final score of 27 – 39, and a convincing win for the visitors.

Full Time: Hull Ionians 27 – 39 Lymm

Man of the Match for Lymm, as selected by Hull Ionians, was slimline Tonic Shard, but special mention for flanker Josh Hadland who had been outstanding all afternoon, in both carrying and tackling, and for Oli Higginson who had been a thorn in the opposition’s side at the line out.

Director of Rugby Adam Fletcher said,

‘A really pleasing performance to start the season.

‘A lot of hard work has been put by the players and coaches over the last few months, so to achieve 5pts away from home is rewarding.

Loads to work on but what a great start.’

Head Coach Andy Davies commented, ‘In the first half, we made a lot of mistakes and gave away too many penalties, but we came in at half time and slightly tweaked a couple of things.

‘The boys came out in the second half and put in a great counter attacking performance.

‘I thought our fitness and some quality handling in tricky conditions proved the difference.

‘It’s a great result to start the season off but there’s still a lot of areas to improve on moving forward.’

Referee: Samual Yates

Match Report: Simon Plumb

Team Photo

Jack Reynolds Scores

Paddy Jennings scores after defensive blunders

Rob Makin scores from a line out

Captain Nathan Beesley scores his second try