Billingham battled through numerous elements to pull up to a sunny (but Baltic) Crouchley Lane. Much like the rest of the country there was an extremely strong wind going directly down the pitch.
Billingham won the toss and elected to play with the wind behind them. Although this may seem to be an advantage, it’s difficult to move the ball with the wind pushing the ball forward.

The game started off fairly even with both teams sizing each other up. Over the years both teams have always been known for attacking enterprise but today that would prove difficult. Billingham did take the lead through a well worked team try with Luke Wilson breaking off a late Peter Evans ball, Conner Foley on hand to finish.
The remainder of the half was dominated by the whistle with Billingham on the defensive.
Mike Walton left the field and Peter Youll coming on again out of position at 6. He would see yellow for a high shot which took all by surprise.
Kieran Clark departed with a blood injury with Ed Graham coming on after impressing for the Lions.

Unfortunately having to play out of position but did a sterling job throughout.

Lymm took advantage with 2 penalties finishing 6-7 at half time.

On the whistle there was an altercation with a Lymm player seeing Red.

A much improved 2nd half by Billingham was to follow, Mike Walton back on and now gathering momentum with his Brother Ben in the middle. Matt Kirby entered for Jobe Roxby and had a telling contribution. Dan Burns left the field after playing with a knock and Peter Youll came back on. Billingham now had the upper hand and much improved game management kept Lymm pinned back as the forwards battled the wind and from a 50/22 with the new found strength of the driving maul set up a series of pick and goes, Mike Walton squeezing over.
This was followed by a good break by Martin Hopley with some lovely inter-passing throughout the team finding Anth Jackson to score under the sticks.

As expected Lymm came back strong now with ex Samoan international Johnny Leota on the pitch. With some brilliant try line defence and over the ball work Billingham cleared the lines. With 5 minutes left and the game just fizzling out a mix up in the middle let Lymm under the sticks.
Thankfully after a interception by Matt Kirby Billingham the remainder of the game was spent in the safety of the Lymm half.

Head coach Peter Evans added “A brilliant away day win, it’s never easy travelling but given the conditions I am over the moon. Again we could of started better and we must learn on our mistakes but the 2nd half was near faultless. The forward pack really stuck at it in open play, we had several lads playing with knocks, playing out of position but we really controlled the 2nd half. A real team effort. A massive well done to all involved. Again we will see some changes this week with Kirkby at home and the Lions playing Tynedale it’s a big week and we have got to keep the momentum going”

#OSIOS