Wilmslow High School 51- 15 Lymm High School
Rugby fans in Cheshire are privileged to witness week in week out some of the best schoolboy rugby in the country. Wilmslow and Lymm High Schools are two of the very best; having both reached the last eight of the Daily Mail National Schools Cup in 2012.
The two teams met on Tuesday in the final of this year's Cheshire Cup; Wilmslow as holders, and Lymm looking to reverse that 2011 defeat. Whatever the result, this was a special occasion, as many of the players pulled their school shirts on for the last time. So please excuse some indulgence from a parent seeing the lads play their last game together, after, in many cases, seven years.
In near perfect conditions, at a resplendent and newly refurbished Wilmslow Rugby Club the 500 or so spectators would have quite rightly expected a show piece finale to the season. They were not to be disappointed.
The score line reflects a rather one sided affair and Wilmslow certainly showed the greater skills in all areas and a killer instinct when near the try line. The final tally however, does not reflect on a stubborn, committed and brave resistance from Lymm. Both their tries were the result of outstanding pieces of individual skill, scored from distance having turned Wilmslow ball over.
Wilmslow scored 8 tries, James got 3, Tyrrell, Gallagher, Longmore, Hubbard and Broster all crossed the line for one. Longmore added 4 conversions and a penalty. Every one of those players would acknowledge their team mates contribution, which is typical of this group and a key to their success.
In the forwards, Fantom has turned ball over all season, Green and Klein are inevitably first to every breakdown. Lee dominates the lineout and if you want yards Royle, Watts, Hubbard and Tyrell provide. But it doesn't stop there, Sainthouse, Taylor, Leddy, Haughton and Wilkinson all step into the shoes of those above as starters or off the bench.
If and when the forwards give it up they release a free scoring backline who instinctively seem to know where their fellow players are. Some of the interplay between skipper Harding and England U19 James was exceptional, released by Westaway at stand off, they continually broke the Lymm lines of defence. Outside them there is pace and trickery. Duffy, Broster and Bundy Davies started but Shotton, Noden, Walker and Gallagher ensured there was no respite for a now beleaguered Lymm defence.
Hopefully all players have got a mention in this eulogy, they all played and they all contribute to a very high standard.
Wilmslow High School will regroup next year, with at least 11 of these players eligible to retain this magnificent trophy.
As a parent it remains for me to thank the school and the coaches in particular for their commitment and expertise, which in my opinion and I know many others is awesome. Messrs Bebbington and Hancock along with Dodds and Leggett will tell you it has been a privilege to coach these boys. Well I know that, but thanks anyway!
This is a member post by Mike Harding.
