Luke Richards – MoM Award – Lymm v Blaydon

After a late call up on the match day, Luke Richards stepped in at scrum-half at short notice for Andy Davies, who had been taken ill during the night, to face top of the table Blaydon.

Having played most of his rugby on the wing, it was a massive step up for the High Legh lad, who had only played a few games at No9 during his M&J career at Lymm.

Against a fast running, exciting Blaydon team, Luke was Lymm’s standout player, giving good service to his backs, sniping around the rucks, looking for gaps and sound in defence.

Luke started his rugby at Lymm at under 7’s under the guidance of Steve Downes. A delighted Steve commented. “Out of all the lads I’ve ever coached (some who have gone on to play for England and in the Premiership), I think he’s the most impressive. He may not be the biggest but he has the heart of a lion, can play in almost any position and gives absolutely everything for any team he turns out for, whether it’s the firsts or fourths. He’s a fine human being too.

“Even more impressive is Luke’s determination to return to rugby after rupturing his spleen as a junior colt and having 18 months out of the game.”

Adam Fletcher added “Its fantastic to bring lads from the Mini and Junior section through to the first team. It’s what Lymm Rugby Club is all about. Every week, on average, 15 of our 18 man squad have come through our M&J/Colts ”