WITH coaches Adam Fletcher and Andy Davies both absent, Tom Bray led Lymm RFC at the end of a week in which he announced his retirement from playing.

Rather fittingly, he was able to cap it with a victory as his side saw off Rossendale 13-3 at Beechwood for their sixth consecutive win.

Lymm have now not conceded a try for three games and have consolidated fifth spot in the North Premier table.

Their stellar form faces by far its biggest test on Saturday, however, as they visit league leaders Otley.

The game’s only try came with the final play of the first half – after Nathan Beesley had been stopped just short of the line, Lymm kept coming and prop Matty Hand eventually forced his way over between the posts.

Matty Hands scores the games only try

Matty Hands scores the game's only try

Matty Hands scores the games only try

Matty Hands scores the game's only try

Full-back Cormac Nolan converted to add to his earlier penalty and the hosts turned around with a 10-0 lead to protect against a Rossendale side with the wind in its favour.

Despite flanker Ed Morris being yellow-carded, Lymm’s game management was excellent until late on when Rossendale kicked a penalty to bring themselves back within a score.

The visitors then missed a further kick and with the game’s last play, Nolan was on target with a penalty to deny them a losing bonus point.

Team: Gavin Woods, Adam Bray, Matty Hand, Aaron Rasheed, James Yates, Ed Morris, Harry Martin, Ali Sutherland; Gregor Watson, Scott Redfern; Nathan Beesley, Liam Connelly, Ben Stansfield, Mick Stafford, Cormac Nolan. Subs: Dan Horton, Alex Stewart, Paddy Jennings

Aaron Rasheed was making his 100th Lymm appearance on Saturday

Aaron Rasheed was making his 100th Lymm appearance on Saturday

Nathan Beesley on the attack

Nathan Beesley on the attack

Nathan Beesley on the attack

Nathan Beesley on the attack