ON what was a historic day for rugby union in England as a whole, Lymm Rugby Club were able to take “a great step forward” by launching their new artificial pitch.

A large crowd gathered at Beechwood on Saturday to watch the first team play their maiden fixture on the 4G surface after it was signed off by RFU inspectors last week.

Having watched England defeat the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup semi finals earlier, that result and the new pitch seemed to inspire Adam Fletcher’s side as they ran out winners over Morpeth in the North Premier.

The new facility will provide clubs across the local community the chance to benefit from year-round rugby through the durability of the all-weather, floodlit surface, which will enable additional training sessions and more flexibility in playing times.

As a result, the pitch is expected to increase rugby participation across clubs and community groups, further growing the sport.

Warrington Guardian:

Beechwood's new Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP)

“This a great step forward for Lymm Rugby Club and the broader community,” club chairman John Cartwright said.

“We are grateful to the RFU, Warrington Borough Council, and the main contractor McArdle Sport Tec for helping us achieve this significant ambition.”

Once the action got started, Lymm produced an excellent second-half display to secure a 42-23 victory, thus avoiding back-to-back defeats.

Nathan Beesley scored a hat-trick of tries, with Aaron Rasheed also crossing twice for the hosts.

Joe Senior scored Lymm’s other try, with three conversions and two penalties coming from the boot of Cormac Nolan.

Warrington Guardian:

Nathan Beesley touches down his hat-trick try

Warrington Guardian:

Aaron Rasheed scores his second five-pointer

“A great win and performance to mark the start of a new era,” director of rugby Fletcher said.

“It was great to score six tries – I thought we always looked threatening from the set piece and also had good attacking shape in phase play. Our continuity of attack is much improved.

“Having Oli Higginson back on the pitch is a massive boost for the squad. He looked like he enjoyed himself.

“James Lewis had a good first outing and brought his consistent form from the second team to the first team.

“There are still areas to improve upon but I’m very happy overall.

“I would like to thank everyone who made the pitch possible. The boys absolutely loved playing on it.”

Lymm are not in action again until Saturday, November 9, when they visit Ilkley

Lymm: Gavin Woods, James Pitcher, James Mawdsley, James Yates, Aaron Rasheed, Adam Bray, James Lewis, Oli Higginson; Tom Shard, Scott Redfern; Joe Senior, Ben Stansfield, James Kimber, Nathan Beesley, Cormac Nolan. Subs: Matty Hand, Cash Chilvers, George Norman

Warrington Guardian:

Joe Senior scores in the corner

Warrington Guardian:

Tom Shard looks for options