Wirral Succumb to Speedy Lymm

Before the match there was a minutes silence in honour of former chairman, Reg Hopkins who passed away earlier in the week.
Following the injuries incurred at Morley last week, Wirral were forced into a number of changes with CHRIS SPEED and DAVE DONEO coming in for PHIL DONALDSON (shoulder) and CHRIS BURROWS (concussion). JACK YARKER replaced CHRIS HUGHES in the front row and it was good to see JOE MURRAY on the bench.
Wirral were optimistic at the start of the game following their win last week and in the first 10 minutes dominated the ball and territory but were finding it difficult to break through a resolute Lymm defence. On their first visit to the Wirral half, quick passing gave them an overlap and winger Mark Wells crossed unopposed for his try, which he did not convert. 0-5 (10mins). At this stage, CRAIG HARVEY came off with a knee injury to be replaced by JOE MURRAY, who moved to full back allowing DANNY HARVEY to come into fly half.
The home side was still dominating territory with long cross fields kicks to touch. A penalty chance was missed from some 33m followed by a desperate hack to touch by the Lymm full back as MATT LOON and CHRIS SPEED followed up a kick through and potential try scoring opportunity. Craig returned to the field with his knee area heavily bandaged. The Lymm centre, Luke Emmitt was then sent to the sin bin following a spear tackle and from the resultant penalty; DANNY HARVEY opened Wirral’s account. 3-5 (25 mins).
Within 2 minutes, Lymm had extended their lead when awarded a penalty, which Tom Baker took quickly and scored under the posts. 3-12 (26 mins). JACK YARKER and DAVE DONEO were replaced by CHRIS HUGHES and PAUL LEWIS respectively. In the 37th minute, Wirral were awarded a penalty, which was taken quickly and ball down the backline saw MATT LOON score on his opposite wing and run to the posts to give DANNY HARVEY an easy conversion. 10-12 (37mins). In the injury time of the first half, Wirral were holding Lymm and would have settled for a 2 point deficit but in this period of injury time, Wirral lost the game. A penalty was given to Lymm 20m out which Wells scored and then a backs move with a pass inside to Sam Mullarkey saw him score under the posts to give Lymm a 10-22 lead at half time.
Shortly after half time, CRAIG HARVEY had to finally come off injured and was replaced by JOE MURAY, with Joe going to scrum half, DANNY HARVEY to fly half and MIKE WARREN to full back. In the next 20 minutes, Lymm scored three more tries, through substitute Rowley, Callum Nolan and Tom Baker, all converted by Wells. One of these tries was as a result of a superb backs movement, whilst another try came from a quick penalty again from 40m out, which caught Wirral out not paying attention to the situation. With a further penalty from Wells this extended their lead to 10-46.
The final 10 minutes of the match saw Wirral camped in the Lymm 22m area and twice Wirral were deemed to be held up over the line. The Lymm side defended well but it led to Lymm second row James Yates being sin binned for being deliberately off side. Eventually back rower, DAVE DONEO forced his way over the whitewash and DANNY HARVEY tacked on the conversion to leave the final score 17-46.
Even with a number of the Wirral squad out injured this score line flattered Lymm as two of the tries were scored when Wirral were not paying full attention to the situation. Having said that Lymm thoroughly deserved their win and are the best team we have seen to date in this league.
Next week the first team is away to Burnage (Manchester) and your support will be welcome.
Richard McNeil