WITH 15 minutes remaining on Saturday, Lymm were five points up and well set for a third straight victory.

However, a Sandal comeback denied them and a try in the final knockings even meant their efforts were not even rewarded with a losing bonus point.

Instead, they are left to reflect on defeat and must pick themselves up quickly as they welcome third-place Blaydon to Beechwood on Saturday.

While pleased with how his side stood up to their powerful opponents despite the absence of several key players, Lymm director of rugby Adam Fletcher says coming home empty-handed was “particularly disappointing.”

He did, however, pay their hosts a big compliment in his post-match thoughts.

“Sandal are a well drilled side and will certainly be in the mix for promotion come the end of the season,” he said.

“I’m very happy with how we fronted up against a big powerful team.

“We defended really well throughout but unfortunately, our attack today wasn’t accurate enough.

“To be leading 19-14 with 15 minutes to play and to come away with no points is particularly disappointing.”

Having conceded the first try, Lymm hit back through Joe Watson’s long-range effort before Cormac Nolan’s penalty edged them ahead.

James Kimber then tip-toed down the touchline for the visitors’ second try, with Nolan converting, and while Sandal hit back with another converted try, a second Nolan penalty had Lymm two points ahead at the break.

Nolan struck from the tee again to extend that lead before Sandal came on strong in the later stages.

Lymm: Matty Hand, Adam Bray, Jordan Widdrington, James Yates, Joe Watson, Campbell Thomson, Josh Hadland, Oli Higginson; Tom Shard, Scott Redfern; Rory Riddell, James Kimber, Ben Stansfield, Nathan Beesley, Cormac Nolan. Subs: Nick Ashton, Matty Connelly, Jake Ashall

Lymm seconds remain second in the Cotton Traders Conference A following a high-scoring home win over their Fylde counterparts, with Lymm prevailing 41-33.

However, Lymm Eagles were beaten 19-24 at home by Anselmians’ seconds.