Huddersfield 44-12 Lymm
Huddersfield RU produced a firework like display as they thrashed Lymm 44-12 at Lockwood Park on Bonfire Night. The Field, who made it nine wins from nine, outscored Lymm seven tries to two in another dominant second half display to keep their 100% record intact, and got a well-deserved bonus point win for the fifth time this season.
It wasn’t all plain sailing for Gareth Lewis’ side, though, and after Adam Tamanis was carried off the pitch with injury, Lymm were first on the scoreboard when Tom Shard hit the whitewash, the away side failing to convert.
A decent response from Huddersfield gave them a scrum in the Lymm 22, and with a succession of fouls going in their favour the Field were awarded a penalty try. Bell converted from under the sticks.
With the Field back on top, Nick Sharpe got himself a try with plaudits given to Joel Hinchliffe. The scrum-half did well to break and his high kick was met by Alex Battye, who did well to recover possession, and it lead the path for the number eight to get an unconverted try.
From then on it was one way traffic, and Huddersfield finally broke down the sturdy Lymm defence again when Bell caught an awkward grubber kick, moved the play swiftly from right to left and Brandon Conway was on the wing to breeze past three defenders before shoving off a fourth to get a try before the break. Bell hit the post from the conversion.
However, it was Lymm who again started the half off better and Jake Ashall went under the posts after a mistaken pass from Hinchliffe following a scrum on the inside 10.
His try was converted, and with Huddersfield struggling to get a hold of the ball, an equalising try looked imminent for Lymm when they were forced pressure on the backline with a succession of penalties until they threw the ball out of touch.
That was to be a pivotal moment in the match, and in the next phase Bell put over a much-needed penalty which widened the gap to 20-12.
Lewis Workman was at the heart of the next move in another turning point when his kick and chase put Huddersfield in a dangerous position, and when they did overturn possession the ball was worked to Conway and he took his second chance of the game for his double. Bell added the extras.
The hard-work from Workman proved dividend, and it was the young full back who secured the bonus point after a break from Elliot Hodgson, this time Hinchliffe missing the two.
With Lymm flat, Huddersfield’s dominance again was asserted as two men who started on the bench in Ben Morrill and Reuben Pollard went over and Hinchliffe converted the latter to secure another impressive win.
Coach Lewis was happy with the win despite labelling it a stuttering performance in large parts. He said:
“It wasn’t as straight forward as it looked,” said Lewis. “I thought the way we started the game in both halves were not great to be honest. Our line speed was lacking and our concentration dropped.
“But once we got into our first phase play we showed our physical superiority and were the dominant team in the end and deservedly got the five points.”
Conway’s second try was as clinical as ever and after the winger was named man of the match, Lewis reserved special praise to the play which secured the win.
“It was an excellent try and I’m really happy for him. I thought Elliot Hodgson’s impact from off the bench was good. There were a few key moments in the game but overall it was a good teams performance.
“Conway is on fire. He’s going well and if he’s given five yards he’ll take that every single time. He’s exceptionally quick with the ball in his hand and is a threat all day long.”
Lewis also gave an update on Tamanis’ injury and explained how the early loss had an impact on the match.
“Tamanis’ injury disrupted our rhythm a bit. He’s pulled his calf which could see him out for 2-3 weeks. It’s a big loss that will stretch our resources, but we’ve got props to cover.”
“Alex Battye is away for the next two weeks too, so it’s going to give opportunities for others such as Harry Whitfield. He has played really well for the Falcons and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do.”
Nick Rhodes, who was injured for the match, was also named Player of the Month for October.
