THERE was a tinge of sadness to accompany Lymm’s dominant win over neighbours Northwich on Saturday.

In what was his first league start for the club, centre Kieran Hughes had to leave the field just before half-time with a serious-looking arm injury.

After the game, director of rugby Adam Fletcher revealed Hughes would need an operation and that his season is likely over.

“On a sad note, it looks as if Kieran Hughes has suffered a season-ending injury,” he said.

“He has torn his bicep and will require surgery.

“This was Kieran’s first league start for us, so it’s such a shame to lose him.”

Despite this, Lymm ran up a commanding scoreline to secure maximum points with a 68-7 victory.

Steve Pilkington scored a hat-trick of tries while full-back Cormac Nolan posted 23 points, encompassing a try and nine conversions.

Oli Higginson also crossed twice for Fletcher’s men, for whom further tries were scored by Rob Makin, Joe Watson, James Yates and Kurt Riley.

“Happy to come away with a big result and the five points,” Fletcher said.

“Local derbies are always tricky and sometimes not pretty – and this game lived up to that.

“At times we were really good and scored some lovely tries, but also at times we were inaccurate which lead to a stop-start match.

“Overall though, I’m happy with the win and performance but recognise we have a huge test next week against undefeated league leaders Otley.”

Back at Beechwood, Lymm’s seconds overturned a half-time deficit to beat their Sedgeley Park counterparts.

George Anderson’s penalty and John Long’s late try sealed an 18-12 victory after Oli Roberts and Rhys Lilley had crossed in the first half.