Blaydon 57

Lymm 3

PROMOTION chasing Blaydon gave their end of season prospects a boost by trashing Lymm on Saturday.

The Tyneside club have facilities which would do justice to a National League club and the grandeur of their surroundings seemed to intimidate Lymm.

Strong scrummaging by the Lymm front row appeared to be the only department in which Blaydon could be matched and it was no surprise when the home team went ahead with a converted try after seven minutes.

A further converted try after 30 minutes stretched the lead further but Lymm's hopes of a serious fight back were briefly raised by a penalty from skipper Nick Shaw.

However, an unconverted try left Lymm trailing 19-3 at half-time.

Blaydon turned on the style after the break, taking just 25 minutes to increase their lead to 50-3.

Lymm managed a minor recovery with centre John Jenkins the focus of some strong, penetrating breaks deep into Blaydon territory.

In defence back row forwards Larkin and Harrison defended with commendable resolution to produce some excellent tackles. They also showed they were prepared to attack from Lymm's limited second phase possession.

On Saturday Lymm play hosts to Alnwick, who appear to be sliding down the league. Lymm have the opportunity to regain some lost pride and to earn two valuable league points in their fight to avoid relegation.

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