Lymm 2nd 16 Macclesfield 2nd 15

LYMM second team produced one of their best performances in recent memory against a Macclesfield side that has been consistently the best team in the North West Intermediate League's top flight for a number years.

Macclesfield attacked through their big forwards and it was only last-ditch Lymm tackling that kept them out in the early exchanges.

However as the half progressed they grew in confidence and started to put some phases together but the well-marshalled Macclesfield defence proved difficult to breach.

A lightening break by Callum Harris put George Boden away but the Macclesfield full back snuffed out the danger with a good tackle.

The second half started in similar fashion, with Macclesfield showing good recycling skills and support play but they couldn’t quite get the break-aways, tenacious defence from Lymm led by Kieron Williams and James Yates keeping them at bay.

Lymm had the elements with them but initially tried to keep the ball in hand.

It was after a good break and quick recycling that Macclesfield strayed offside at the ruck and Tom Shard to opening the scoring with a penalty in the second half.

At this stage it looked as if Lymm would take control but Macclesfield fought back well and began to put Lymm under pressure and it was from this pressure that Lymm erred and the visitors pounced to score a converted try.

Lymm came back well with good ball control and retention which put visitors on the back foot and eventually they were penalised and Tom Shard kicked another penalty to get back within one point before Macclesfield added one of their own.

But there was plenty of fire in this Lymm side and they roared back and pounded away at the Macclesfield try line but the visitors' defence held firm and after a quick break out they increased their lead with an unconverted try with 10 minutes to go.

Lymm showed great resilience and as Macclesfield started to tire the hosts had a series of efforts close to the line and eventually the hardworking Mike Gough was driven over the line for a converted try.

Lymm were sensing victory and Shard started used his boot to gain territory before Macclesfield were penalised 42 metres out.

The conditions weren’t good, but the immaculate boot of Shard converted the penalty to put Lymm ahead with two minutes to go.

Lymm now had their tails up and ended the game pressing on the Macclesfield line for another score when the final whistle went as the hosts moved into sixth spot.

They hosts Preston Grasshoppers at Beechwood on Saturday.

Team: Richard Halford, George Boden, Callum Harris, Sam Gough, M Wells, Rhys Jones, Tom Shard, Andy Kerr, Kieron Williams, Owen McCormack, James Yates, Will Baldwin, Ollie Askew, Rob Makin, Jordan Widdrington, Reps: Adam Halford, Mike Gough, Richard McEvoy.

In Division Three South, Lymm thirds drew 13-13 with their Burnage counterparts.

However there was a home win for the fourths in Division Four South as they saw off Bowdon thirds 25-10.

Tries were scored by, P Jennings, two, J Mason, Chris Blob, S Rasheed, plus a penalty and conversion.