Caldy 2nd 28 Lymm 2nd 3

A YOUNG Lymm side were undone by the power and experience of Caldy in the North West Intermediate League's top flight on Saturday.

Caldy kicked off with the elements in their favour and immediately were on the front foot going through the phases driving the ball up the middle and retaining possession.

However moving the ball through the backs was difficult because of the strong cross wind.

Caldy dominated the scrums with their powerful front row. It was from a heel against the head that their centre took a good line to score a converted try by the posts.

Lymm then started to get into the game more and their defence became better organised in repelling the Caldy attack.

An excellent break by the dangerous James Boden ended with Lymm being held up over the line.

They continued to press in the home 22 and won a penalty. Lymm opted for a goal, which Rhys Jones converted in spite of the elements.

As half time approached Caldy upped the pressure and after a number of forward drives, Lymm’s defence was breached for another converted try.

Lymm started the second half on the front foot and started to gain parity at the scrum even taking one against the head.

They pounded the Caldy line and Jordan Widdrington was held up over the line. Eventually, after much pressure, Caldy cleared their lines.

Lymm lost James Boden to injury, weakening the midfield defence, and Caldy started to make progress through the centre before scoring two converted tries to complete their victory.

Will Baldwin, Mat Hill and Adam Halford competed well in the forwards and James Boden showed his power in the backs. Lymm’s young side competed well and with a bit of luck could have run Caldy closer.

 The medium to long term future looks very bright for Lymm. 10 of the starting 15 were 21 or younger and 11 out of the 17.

Currently lying sixth in the league, and in the semi-finals of the League Cup, during their first season back in the top flight, the seconds visit Sandbach on Saturday and a win should ensure that they are in Conference A, when the league splits in the new year.

FOUR Lymm youngsters will head to Portugal on Sunday to help with a Christmas Rugby Camp.

Lymm Rugby Club have forged a friendly partnership with Coimbra Rugby Club, where their under 12s and 14s sides toured this year, while the Portuguese paid a return visit.

The senior club, at the invitation of Coimbra, also went on tour to the Figueira International Beach Rugby Tournament in July and plan to go again in 2016. 

Young players Rhys Jones, Rick Halford, Jordan Widdrington and Henry Simpson will play their part at the Coimbra Christmas Rugby Camp next week.

Next week, Lymm firsts are away to Ilkley; Lymm thirds away at Glossop thirds, while the only home game is Lymm fourths v Holmes Chapel's first team.