Blaydon RFC 33, Lymm RFC 18

Blaydon move into the playoff spot with a 5 point win, as Billingham lose at Ilkley

Another try bonus win for Blaydon that keeps them in contention in the top three but this was not one of their better days and they were somewhat flattered by the final score-line. Many a pass went astray and many an opportunity went begging, whilst the visitors belied their lowly position with a confident approach that saw them just 3 points adrift deep into the second period.
Lymm it was who scored first after an aggressive run from right wing Tom Baker had been halted only for a poor clearance to be handed onto second-row Aaron Rashid and a simple try.
Harry Borthwick led the Blaydon response with a length of the field break and when he was held up Dan Marshall went in under the posts. Jamie Guy converted that effort and was on target again when prop Darren Fearn crossed from close range to make it 14-5.
Lymm fly-half Scott Redfern grabbed a second for the visitors but good work by James Cooney who hung onto a sharp pass put Guy in for a 3rd Blaydon effort and added the extras himself, and 21-12 seemed a decent advantage.
Penalties just before and just after the interval by Nolan however reduced it to 3 points and that was how it stayed until late on when a mistake at either end could have influenced the result.
Fortunately for Blaydon flanker Guy Graham effectively settled the game when he stormed into the 22 and was heading for the line when brought down by a high tackle. The culprit, Lymm full-back Nolan, was yellow carded, the penalty kicked to the corner and possession whipped through the hands for Nathan Bailey to touch down in the far corner.
Now with an 8 point advantage Blaydon were able to breath more easily and in the final play Marshall raced in for his second and Guy landed his 4th conversion.
John Brennan
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