After their successful 2017/18 season where they finished fourth, Lymm have found the start to this season tougher. Last year after five games they topped the league with 24 points, this season they are just one place and point above us (last year we were two points and places better off at this stage)
So far they have away losses against Billingham and Wirral, and at home to Blaydon, whilst their two wins came at home by a point to erratic Rossendale, and in their last game before the break, a high scoring away win at Wilmslow 31v59
Both teams will therefore be eager for the points, to move them away from the wrong end of the table.
TEAM : The pack is again little changed, with the only change being Robbie Collinson coming in at hooker. So Matthew Charters retains his place in the second row.
Behind the pack there are a number of changes. Jack Blakeney-Edwards short stay at Kendal appears to be over, as he is the latest to switch to Wharfdale (having already got on the score sheet against Grasshoppers last weekend). Glen Weightman is kept in the centre, so Chris Park comes in at outside half, making his first start in the No.10 jersey since the game against Broughton Park in March 2014. There is no Danny Barker, so Zane Butler moves back into the centre, Myles Harrop switches wings and Jordan Johnson comes in on the left wing (although he is also named there for the Development team at Mintbridge).
Mark Carruthers and Nick Carlton are also not in the Development squad, but for those not making the trip to Lymm, there is a name on the bench who should encourage attendance at Mintbridge for their game with Wirral, and strike fear into the opposite, “Coxon”
WEATHER : Heavy rain in Lymm in the morning, but easing off at lunchtime, so possibly as wet and muddy as last year.
SUNDAY : If you enjoyed their curtain raiser against the Vagabonds at Mintbridge before the Hull game, why not come down to Mintbridge on Sunday afternoon and see the Wasps in action again against Leigh Ladies. Check the website for more details of kick off time – the forecast is good, but there will be plenty of rain in Kendal on Friday and Saturday, so it may be another game on the 3G.
WANTED : If you're planning to go to go to Sandal in a fortnight, would you like to write a match report ?
Due to the continuing rail strike and other commitments that weekend, I doubt I will make it.
Sandal are going well this season, but remember that amazing cliff hanger last season. Also in games when I have not been there, Kendal have only lost once in over five years and almost 150 games. So the omens should be good.