Johnston heroics count for nothing

■By BRIAN TILLEY

Tynedale……………..32

Lymm……………………37

LYMM secured their sixth consecutive victory with a thrilling win over Tynedale, despite an exceptional five-try performance from beaten hooker Ralph Johnston.

The high-scoring affair began with Luke Kelly scoring for Lymm after four minutes, following a kick ahead.

Johnston responded for Tynedale in the 11th minute with a try from a line-out catch-anddrive.

Nathan Beesley put Lymm back in front with a converted try.

But Johnston quickly equalised with his second try, before hat-trick score was converted by Josh Leslie, to give Tynedale a 17-12 lead after 26 minutes.

Lymm’s Stead reduced the deficit with a penalty before Bees-ley and James Pitcher crossed the line, giving Lymm the advantage.

However, Johnston’s fourth try levelled the scores at half-time.

The second half saw Paddy Jennings extend Lymm’s lead with a converted try, only for Seamus Hutton to narrow the gap for Tynedale.

Johnston’s fifth try put Tynedale ahead once more, but a late penalty from Tom Shard brought Lymm level.

In a dramatic finish, Beesley scored his third try in injury time to clinch victory for Lymm and seal a gripping contest.