SO much pride is being felt in these parts as one of Warrington’s own continues to make his presence felt on the world stage.
Scrum-half Alex Mitchell, who came through the ranks at Lymm Rugby Club, is preparing for the game of his life after again being named at scrum-half for England against South Africa in the Rugby World Cup semi-final in Paris on Saturday.
The 26-year-old Northampton Saints No9 has started four of unbeaten England’s five matches in the tournament so far, with onlookers from his grassroots club and those who know him from Lymm High School celebrating his significant achievements for his country.
Andy Leach, treasurer at Lymm Rugby Club, is full of admiration for ‘Mitch’, who he has seen blossom from the very beginning.
“Alex has always oozed talent,” said Andy.
“From his first match in October 2003 aged six against Chester for Lymm under sevens - three stone wet through, tag belt touching the ground, the ball looking huge in his hands - to his final match in May 2015 aged 17 for Lymm under 19s against Wharfedale in the ‘Cock o’ the North’ Cup Final.
“At that point he was firmly embedded in the England Age Group and Sale Academy systems, and Alex has always mesmerised opponents and delighted spectators.
“In those early days he demonstrated natural talent and an instinct for the game which was helped greatly by having two older brothers to compete with and a father who was a highly regarded rugby coach.
“For most people at Lymm it was probably at the end of the 2014-15 season when the enormity of his potential really shone through.
“Having been absent for most of that season with Sale and England commitments Alex made his one and only league appearance for Lymm first XV in the last match of the season against Billingham, a strong team from the north east.
“Early in the second half, Alex turned the closely fought encounter on its head scoring an outrageous try from halfway – dummying his way through the whole of the Billingham side and confusing the crowd as well – a brilliant try which only he could have scored, that broke Billingham’s resolve and opened the floodgates for Lymm to secure a comfortable victory.
“A couple of weeks later Alex played in the senior colts ‘Cock o’ the North’ Final at Wharfedale. He played fly-half that day and by half time, Lymm were 40 points to the good with Alex having scored, or had a hand in, each of Lymm’s six tries.
“His performance in that half caused the Wharfedale announcer to bark, in a mix of desperation and admiration: “Who is that player?”. Then at full time, he wished Alex the best of luck in his career at Northampton Saints, which he was embarking on later that month.
“Alex’s career and successes have been followed closely by all at Lymm, and it gives us all tremendous pride to see him on the biggest stage of all representing England in the Rugby World Cup.
“Young Lymm players have a role model to aspire to, while the older generation and his contemporaries, can reflect on their personal memories of Alex’s incredible journey.
“His on-field success has also helped build the club’s reputation within the rugby community across the country, putting Lymm well and truly on the map and within the RFU itself.
“Indeed, the RFU were at the club last Sunday, filming for their “It means everything….” series where they go back to the junior clubs that were vital in the development of current England players."
WATCH THE RFU SHORT VIDEO BELOW:
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