Lymm RUFC 13

Blackburn 18

LYMM Rugby Union Club gave title challengers Blackburn a major scare on Saturday.

The visitors were penned behind their 22 metre line for long spells early on and Lymm were rewarded with a fine try by centre Nick Rowe following good work by Chris Kinsey and John Millachip.

Excellent line-out possession by Richard Cook and tactical kicking by Millachip kept Lymm on top and they were unlucky not to go further ahead when a Millachip penalty kick fell just short in the wind.

The blustery conditions worked in Blackburn's favour late in the half when they kicked two long penalties to take a 6-5 lead into the break.

Blackburn began to move the ball about more in the second half with the strength and pace of their backs becoming more influential.

A well worked try put them 5-13 ahead but Lymm rallied and a Millchip penalty reduced the deficit.

It was a cruel blow that killed off Lymm's hopes when a penalty kick by the visitors was held up in the wind but bounced kindly straight into the arms of advancing Blackburn player to score.

Millachip scored a consolation try for Lymm when he successfully chased his own grubber kick and Lymm piled on the pressure at the close.

Blackburn held on for victory but were mighty relieved to hear the final whistle.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.