LYMM’S first season in the RFU National League’s came to a frantic end on Saturday.

With survival having long since been secured, Adam Fletcher’s men travelled to Wharfedale for their final game of the campaign free of any pressure to face a side who had finished fourth in the table.

And despite being keen to finish on a high, they ended up falling to a 59-31 defeat in a high-scoring encounter.

The visitors had briefly taken an early 10-7 lead when Alfie Simpson touched down a kick from Jack Reynolds, who had earlier notched a penalty, but that was the only time they had their noses in front.

“We desperately wanted to put in a good performance for all the travelling support,” Fletcher said post-match.

“Unfortunately, we ran into a pretty hot Wharfedale side.

“Defensively we were poor and Wharfedale took advantage of this but I was pleased with the tries we scored and how we tried to attack.

“The support was brilliant and much appreciated and has been all season. The boys are looking forward to a well-deserved rest.”

Wharfedale put their foot on the accelerator after Simpson’s try, profiting from yellow cards for Matty Hand and Jordan Widdrington to run up a 28-10 lead but James Kimber then marked his final game before retirement with a try to reduce the half-time deficit to 11 points.

Lymm then started the second half well, but the home defence soaked up the pressure and by the time the visitors did get through thanks to Oli Higginson’s touchdown, the hosts had scored twice more at the other end.

The Yorkshiremen were clinical to stretch away to a commanding scoreline but Lymm did at least ensure they would not leave empty-handed, with Kimber crossing for his second try to secure a four-try bonus point.

Lymm finish the season in 10th place having accrued 55 points from their 26 matches.

Lymm: Gav Woods, James Pitcher, Matty Hand, Rhys Lilly, James Yates, Harry Martin, Oli Higginson, Josh Hadland; Cal Morris, Jack Reynolds; Paddy Jennings, James Kimber, Jack Stride, Andy Williams, Alfie Simpson. Subs: Jordan Widdrington, Rob Makin, Ben Thompson, Sam Wadsworth, Ste Pilkington.