SaqLYMM RFC could hardly have hoped for a better start to their second season at National League level.
Facing a long trip to Humberside to face Hull Ionians in their first National 2 North game of the new campaign, they returned to Crouchley Lane with a points haul thanks to a 39-27 victory.
A second-half display of three tries in 13 minutes proved decisive, with Paddy Jennings, Rob Makin and Nathan Beesley all scoring before the hour mark.
Before that, Lymm had been on the defensive in the opening quarter and trailed 10-7 halfway through the first half, with a penalty giving the hosts the lead after Beesley’s early try cancelled out a home opener.
Tom Shard equalised for the visitors before Jack Reynolds’ try gave them the lead for the first time, but further penalties kept the home side in touch.
And when the Ionians crossed after a rolling maul, the score was level at 20-20 in the 53rd minute before Lymm stepped up a gear to seal the win.
“A really pleasing performance to start the season,” said director of rugby Adam Fletcher.
“The players and coaches have worked hard in recent months, so to get five points away is rewarding.
“There is a lot of work to do, but what a great start.”
Head coach Andy Davies added: “In the first half we made a lot of mistakes and conceded too many penalties but we came back at half-time and changed a few things a little bit.
“The boys came back in the second half and put in a great performance on the counterattack.
“I think our physical fitness and our quality handling in difficult conditions made the difference.
“It’s a great result to start the season, but there are still many areas to improve moving forward.”
Lymm will be on the road again on Saturday when he makes a much shorter trip to face Chester.
Lymm: Ralph McEachran, Rob Makin, Matty Hand, Josh Maskery, Rhys Lilly, Harry Martin, Josh Hadland, Oli Higginson; Cal Morris, Tom Shard; Paddy Jennings, Jack Reynolds, St. Pilkington, Nathan Beesley, Alfie Simpson. Subs: Isaac Millachip, James Pitcher, Joe Higgins, Tom Manaton, Sam Wadsworth
Meanwhile, Warrington RUFC also got their new season off to a perfect start on Saturday.
Coach Richard Park was full of praise for his side’s defence as their opponents Liverpool Collegiate were kept off the scoresheet.
They also scored six tries to secure a 38-0 bonus-point victory, with winger Ryan Eastwood scoring twice.
Jude Lightfoot, Josh Downes, Joe Craven and James Hartill also crossed the white line, with JP Hudson adding four conversions.
“Our defense was relentless for the entire 80 minutes, which reflects the change in mindset we developed during pre-season,” Park said.
“The offensive configuration is not yet perfect, but it is starting to come together week after week.
“The team spirit, cohesion and camaraderie on and off the pitch are there. This bodes well for what promises to be an exciting season.”
Warrington’s next game sees them visit Oldham on Saturday.
It’s scrum time for Warrington and their opponents Liverpool Collegiate on Saturday (Image: Contribution)
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