LYMM are the new leaders of the RFU Regional 1 North West League.

They came from 14-0 down at half time to defeat third-placed Sandbach 29-14 at Birchwood on Saturday, taking them above Blackburn in the table although having played a game more.

Lymm director of rugby Adam Fletcher highlighted the differences between Lymm's two halves of rugby, the inconsistency being shown against much tougher opposition after three successive blowout wins of 70+ scores.

He said: “The boys showed a lot of character and fight in the second half to get the five points.

"Sandbach flew out of the blocks and were really physical. We definitely struggled to deal with it and they deserved their half-time lead.

"We lacked accuracy and urgency in the first half. In the second, we were a different team.

"Every part of our game improved and, as a result, we scored 29 unanswered points. So happy and proud to get the win against a good Sandbach team.”

An opportunist moment from Lymm captain James Yates got things going the right way for his side early in the second half.

Yates, a relentless, rampaging presence, charged down an attempted box kick, regathered and scrambled over.

When Oli Higginson tapped a penalty quickly to himself and smashed over, with Cameron Nolan converting, Lymm were only two points adrift after 10 minutes of the second half.

Lymm then got their noses in front while down to 14 men, with Harry Martin accepting a Higginson pass to finish off a move that started from a scrum on halfway.

With 10 minutes remaining, the next score was critical and it came from Lymm.

Scott Redfern completed the move of the game for the bonus-point try and with Nolan adding the extras Lymm were 26-14 to the good before he wrapped up the scoring with a 40-metre penalty goal.

Lymm host Wirral at Crouchley Lane on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.