Lymm 27 Caldy 31

LYMM surrendered a 20-point lead to Cheshire Cup holders Caldy on Saturday to exit the competition at the first-round stage.

Two scores for Tom Bray, as well as tries from Mark Wells and Cormack Nolan gave Lymm a 27-7 lead at the break before Caldy made a comeback.

Of the new faces Zak Lythgoe made his return in the second row, partnered by debutant Will Baldwin, Oli Higginson made his long awaited return playing at 12 in the centre.

Lymm’s pre-season training was in evidence as backs and forwards combined well to take the game to Caldy.

Higginson and Tom Bray were looking dangerous in the centre and from one such break Higginson was bundled over the line, Mark Wells appearing with the ball for the score.

Caldy replied with a try created by the pace of their centre. Caldy made the conversion to take it to 7-5.

Lymm responded and a quick tap penalty from Tom Shard put Nolan over in the corner, the extras were added by Shard. After a hectic first 15 minutes, it was 12-7 to Lymm.

Lymm were now putting some excellent phases together, with great ball retention and off-loading.

Shard slotted a penalty as Caldy infringed to stop the Lymm flow.

Lymm kept the tempo up and Lythgoe turned the ball over, Higginson again made good ground to feed Tom Bray who went over for a well deserved try.

Higginson was having a field day in the centre picking some great lines.

Shard and Rhys Jones were keeping things moving at half-back and Lymm were looking very impressive.

On the stroke of half-time another great move saw Adam Bray make a decisive break to feed Tom Bray to go in for his second score and make it 27-7 at half-time.

Caldy signalled their intentions to tighten things up. From a line-out the Caldy forwards drove over, which was to become an all too familiar play.

Lymm came back running some great lines and off-loads however Caldy began to slowly assert themselves through the forwards.

The Lymm set piece began to crumble under the pressure, with Lymm unable to assert themselves at the line-out and scrum Caldy slowly began to turn the screw.

A further catch and drive took the score to 27-21. The game was now stretched but as the set piece struggled Lymm were starved of the ball.

With 10 minutes to go another catch and drive took Caldy into the lead for the first time at 28-27.

Lymm attempted to come back but as they tired the precision of the first half was not quite there.

A yellow card and penalty gave Lymm an opportunity to re-take the lead but the chance was missed.

Caldy went down field and slotted a penalty of their own and the game was up. Lymm rallied with one last effort but Caldy held firm.

Lymm travel to Billingham on Saturday, while the seconds open their Bateman Premier League campaign at home to Chester seconds, kick off 3pm.

Lymm: Nick Ashton, Ross White, Jordan Widdrington, Will Baldwin, Zak Lythgoe, Aaron Rasheed, Jake Ashall, Adam Bray (Capt), Tom Shard, Rhys Jones, Cormac Nolan, Oli Higginson, Tom Bray, Mark Wells, Joe Knowles, Dan Horton, Jack Harper, Kieron Williams, Tom Baker, Jack Worton.