ANSELMIANS 22 – LYMM 12
With the Cheshire Cup semi-final moved to Birkenhead Park under the lights, a decent midweek crowd of around 400 were treated to a very competitive game of rugby.
Saint’s cup run has not been the easiest, meeting teams one or two leagues above them. Lymm currently sit in fifth place, one place above Macclesfield.
The previous round’s opponents in the North Premier League would be another test.
Saints are well known for their expansive play, however, in this game, it was the forwards that dominated the Lymm pack and set the platform for the game.
A penalty on the 22 was kicked to touch and after a faultless line out, Steve Brookes touched down behind the driving maul, converted by Morley. Minutes later, a penalty outside the Lymm 22 was kicked again by the reliable Morley -10-0 to Saints.
Just before half time, Lymm managed to get the ball out on the right-wing and score a try which was not converted – half time 10-5.
With the Saints scrum starting to dominate and the Salisbury brothers and Brookes, Lymm were pinned in their own half for long periods.
Dan Salisbury’s faultless line outs paid dividends with number 8 Ewan Nolan, back after injury to go over again converted by Morley.17-5.
Lymm, however, kept up the pressure and after some slick passing their backs cut through the Saints’ backline to score near the posts, with an easy conversion score 17-12.
With the scrum and line out dominance making it hard for Lymm to get any ball, Saints again took a line out instead of a penalty and from 10 meters out it was this time Dan Salisbury who came off the back of the maul to go over.
There were some great performances from Saints, notably Dan Salisbury, Dai Morley, and Will Grebe. Man of the Match went to Tommy Banks who displayed an absolutely solid defence throughout the game.
The final score was 22-12. and the Cup Final will be against Sandbach RUFC who currently sit fifth in the midlands Premier league, the equivalent of 2 leagues above Saints
Anselmians 1st XV’s next game is away to Winnington Park on Saturday 23 April for a 3pm kick-off in the league.
Image credit: Derek Salisbury Snr
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