Year 7 Rugby 25.01.17

This was our first fixture of the New Year and the burning question was whether or not we could sustain, or even improve on, the form displayed in the 20-20 draw away to AGSB before the Christmas break (I’m still very bitter as we should have won).  Lymm are a renowned rugby school with a history of success in regional and national competitions and so it was always going to be a tough challenge.  It was clear within seconds of the kick-off that any fears were unfounded; we were still riding on the crest of the pre-Christmas wave and the boys started the game with real intensity, recycling the ball through numerous phases.  It wasn’t too long before the Lymm defences were breached and Ben Lewis opened the scoring after a period of sustained possession.  The two basics of rucking and co-ordinated defence that we have focused on continuously since September have shown huge improvement and our strength in these areas put Lymm under real pressure, forcing numerous errors.  There followed three further tries but the pick of the bunch has to be the one that began with some delightful interplay in our own half, creating some space for a strong run by Josh Wilson down the right, before he fed the ball delicately back inside to Harry who ran a superb support line to finish off the sweeping move; poetry in motion.  We went into half-time 4 tries to nil in front; Josh bagged himself 2 tries.

Lymm were determined to make amends in the second period and our defence was tested but remained resolute for some time.  I made several substitutions and positional changes which unsettled us a little, although new ‘signing’ Leyton from North Cestrian made a fabulous debut with some devastating tackling in his first ever game of rugby.  Eventually, Lymm deservedly crossed our line and went on to score two further tries but we held out ultimately to win 15-20.  A fabulous effort all round and a real boost to start the Spring Term’s fixtures.

A big thank you must go to the father of Max Butler who volunteered to referee the game, although, as Max plays club rugby with many of the Lymm players, he may have to endeavour to be somewhat gracious and tactful next time they meet.  Or, he could just gloat! 

Well done, Year 7!