ADAM Fletcher said was proud of the way his Lymm side fought back in the second half against league leaders Leeds Tykes at Beechwood on Saturday.

Former Premiership club Tykes, who have fallen steadily down the league structure over recent seasons, exploded into a 33-0 lead by the interval but the hosts won the second half, despite falling 43-21 in the end in cold and blustery conditions.

“It was a much improved second half display but a deserved win for the league leaders who roll on unbeaten in 11 games,” said Lymm director of rugby Fletcher.

“Leeds definitely showed why they had won their previous 10 games.

“We struggled to contain them in the first half, they ran some great lines and were extremely accurate with the ball.

“We did have a few chances but unfortunately we couldn’t convert any of them.

“We had a chat at half-time about not letting the scoreline get away from us.

“We definitely got a positive reaction chasing four tries for the bonus point and very nearly got there.

“I was really proud of our attitude and desire in the second half.

“All 20 contributed to the performance which was pleasing.

“Looking forward, we need some luck with injuries. If we can get some boys back in the next couple of weeks it will be very timely. The few games before Christmas are massive.

“Overall though, I'm really proud of the boys.

“Special praise for captain on the day James Kimber who was outstanding throughout and it was good to see the home return of try-machine Nathan Beesley, who should add further threat to Lymm’s potent attack.”

The result leaves Lymm 12th in National 2 North ahead of Saturday’s trip to fourth-placed Sheffield Tigers.

While Leeds boast none of the star names of yesteryear, they are a physical, imposing and well-coached team.

Leeds’ power game was in full display as they crossed twice early on.

Lymm, who travel to Dore Moor to take on Sheffield Tigers on Saturday, fell increasingly foul of the referee’s whistle as Leeds dominated possession.

The pattern of the half led to three more Tykes tries before the interval, with Lymm barely firing a shot.

There was an immediate reaction at the start of the second half.

A Cal Morris 50-22 earned Lymm lineout ball in the Tykes red zone and, after a Leeds penalty, Lymm’s attacking maul was rewarded with a score from Matty Hand.

Leeds, however, responded almost instantly with their sixth try but Lymm were playing with much more intent and keeping the ball in hand.

Good territory was then rewarded with an excellent team try finished off by Morris from a quickly taken tap penalty.

A Lymm turnover deep in Leeds territory gave Tykes the possession for their final try.

And Lymm’s final score of the day followed soon after, Gav Woods scoring at the back of an excellent maul after a Morris box kick was touched in-flight to gift the home team an attacking platform from which the pack did the rest.

Lymm (1-15): Ralph McCreachan, James Pitcher, Matty Hand, Gav Woods, Ben Thompson, Sean Callender, Joe Johnson, Rhys Lilly, Cal Morris, Tom Shard, Paddy Jennings, James Kimber, Ste Pilkington, Andy Williams, Jack Reynolds. Subs: Jordan Widdrington, Nick Ashton, Jake Ashall, Nathan Beesley, Andy Rowley.