Lymm 10 Sandbach 18

LYMM slipped into the relegation zone of the National League Three Midlands after falling to their fifth loss in six games.

Whichever team could master the blustery conditions would hold a significant advantage and Sandbach, with their patience and excellent kicking game, took up that mantle with distinction.

Lymm on the other hand, perhaps desperate to halt their poor run of results, seemed anxious, uncertain and too keen to force the game.

The eagerness paid off to start with as they created some early chances, only to be stung on the counterattack as a fine Sandbach clearing kick was poorly handled and led directly to the visitor’s first try.

The next half hour was a litany of Lymm penalties in the Sandbach half and the visitors using the wind to peg Lymm back in their own territory as well as add two penalty goals to open an 11-0 lead.

Another clever kick combined with poor defence meant Lymm a mountain to climb from 18-0 down, but oddly enough that try seemed to mark the start of the host’s charge.

Giles Dugdale’s try just before the break gave them hope, but insead the hosts were only able to add a penalty in a dismal second period.

Try as they might, the hosts could not quite cross for the score that could have inspired a comeback, adding extra importance to the visit of fellow basement club Syston, kick off 1.45pm, on Saturday.

Lymm: Jordan Widdrington, John Millington, Joe Cooper, Sion Williams (c), Steve Williams, James Yates, Tim Oakes, Adam Bray, Tom Baker, Tom Bray, Cormac Nolan, Nathan Fernyhough, Giles Dugdale, Matthew Barnes-Smith, Joe Knowles, subs: Tom Darbyshire, Harvey McCormack, Keiron Williams.