Lymm RFC edged out by Preston Grasshoppers

At the end of a sad week for the club which saw the passing of former president Lionel Cockayne, Lymm matched second-place Preston throughout but eventually fell to an agonising 36-41 loss.

First-half tries from Cormac Nolan and Oli Higginson saw Lymm take a 17-10 lead at half time, before the Hoppers pack piled on the pressure after the break, with their unstoppable rolling maul the architect of three second half tries.

Olly Higginson touches down. Picture by Tim Martin

However, Lymm clung onto the Hoppers’ coattails and gave the visitors a taste of their own medicine with a kick, catch and drive of their own on the hour mark, with Matty Hand the beneficiary.

Lymm fell two scores behind in the closing stages but recorded a losing bonus point when backrower Harry Martin touched down, with Nolan’s touchline conversion capping off a fine individual performance that saw him score 16 points.

Director of rugby Adam Fletcher was proud of his side’s performance despite the defeat, with Lymm’s five tries coming through a combination of skill, speed and attacking rugby.

Cormac Nolan runs in a try. Picture by Tim Martin

“Although the score line wouldn’t suggest it, I thought we defended really well throughout,” he said.

“Unfortunately, Preston had a very strong and efficient driving maul that we struggled to contain.

“In attack, I loved our ambition. We moved the ball really well and created some excellent attacking positions.

“I’m relatively happy to come away with two points from the match but I do think we did have opportunities to have taken the full five points.

“The boys are looking forward to a well-deserved weekend off, and we should have a healthier squad to pick from for the away game at Macclesfield on March 5.”

Aaron Rasheed attacks the line. Picture by Tim Martin

Callum Morris in action for Lymm against Preston Grasshoppers. Picture by Tim Martin