Lydney vs Old Pats Match Report

On a warm September afternoon competitive rugby finally returned to Regenstholme, the visitors Old Pats proved strong opposition in an excellent high scoring game. Lydney gave a 1st team debut to three players Jack Curtis, Mars Slee and Ryan Stephens.

This was a must win game for Lydney to put a marker down for the season ahead and Severnsiders did not disappoint. The Severnsiders starting much the brighter but the match was fairly even in first quarter with both sides making numerous mistakes. On 25 minutes Lydney opened the scoring with a good move in the backs saw centre Henry Sleeman crash through the Pats defence to score under the posts which was converted by outside half Joe Hamlin. Soon after recapturing the ball from an Old Pats error saw some good forward drives and the recycled ball fell to Riley Scriven to cross for 14 – 0. With some lapses in the Lydney defence, Old Pats managed a try from scrum half Ben Smith to get back in the game at 14 – 5. Old Pats looking dangerous now collected a wayward Lydney kick and Josh Johnson scored with Lucas Town kicking the conversion for 14 – `12. This galvanised the Severnsiders and through some strong forward drives saw big John Barker out muscle the defence to score a converted try for 21 – 12 which was the halftime score.

With just two minutes of the second half Old Pats had a penalty kick which reduced the score to 21 – 15. Playing down the slope in the second half the Severnsiders were soon deep in the Old Pats half, and a brilliant break from Riley Scriven saw him flip a pass out when being tackled for Alex Nelmes to cross, with Hamlin adding the extras score extended to 28 – 15. More Lydney pressure saw Joe Hamlin recapture a goal line drop out and run through a non-existent defence to score and convert his own try for 35 -15. The Severnsiders were still controlling the game and only a foot in touch denied winger Mike Cross another score. With the game won the Severnsiders relaxed and gave Old Pats another try by Dan Hewitt which was converted for 35 – 22. Back on the attack a good run from the very impressive Riley Scriven say him off load for more forward drives, finally ending when second rower John Barker crashed through the defence to score his second try, Hamlin added the extras for 42 -22. Old Pats got a consolation try on full time through George Jewell to give a final score of 42 – 29.

Director of Rugby Chris Green commented ‘really delighted we sealed the maximum 5 points, job done and scored some good tries on the way. I thought we managed the game well and had periods of good play, our new players went well and there were some strong performances in forwards and backs. For sure we have some things to work on but take our win and move onto next week away at Sidmouth which will be a much tougher test for our young side’