‘Lydney lose to last gasp try.’
Report and Pictures by Roger Pike
Launceston 19 Lydney 15
Lydney faced a long trip down into Cornwall for a tough challenge against promotion favourites Launceston writes Roger Pike. With the Cornish All Blacks virtually unbeatable at home a superb performance from the Bledisloe Club was only denied by a last-minute try to deny the win. Director of Rugy Sam Arnott made just two changes to the starting line up with Brad Dunn back on the wing after a long spell injured and Mike Massey started in the second row.
Lydney made an impressive start dominating the opening encounters and were camped around the hosts 22m area. Following a couple of scoring opportunities Lydney drop the ball and the hosts countered deep into the visitor’s half, but the impressive Brad Dunn was on hand to collect the ball to clear. The hosts then had a period of dominance and twice crossed the line, but Brandon Rowley was given held up on both occasions. Back on the attack saw a good break from Henry Sleeman into the 22m area, the recycle had the host offside and the official awarded a penalty, Jake Hanley continued his good form from the tee for a deserved 0 – 3 lead. With Dunn looking sharp on his return, he was soon deep in the 22m again, following a couple of forward drives Rielly Scriven is next to be given held up over the line. With 20 minutes gone Lydney are looking far the better side but needed to convert their opportunities. When Kyle Frowen won a turnover, a good attack saw Grady Alford tackled in touch just a meter short. Winning the line out the forwards create a drive and Sam Baker touched down; Jake Hanley kicked the conversion from our wide for a deserved 0 – 10. The visitors then lost Alex Nelmes to a yellow card for a tackle off the ball which gave the hosts a chance against 14. Winning a couple of penalties Charlie Short crossed to get them back in the game 5 – 10. Playing the fourteen men, the hosts dominated the closing half encounters but some superb Lydney defence from Hudson, Large, Frowen and Hanslow keep the hosts scoreless to the break.
With a response expected from the hosts it was Lydney who again dominated the opening encounters and looked the more likely to score. Unfortunately, the impressive Rielly Scriven departed with an ankle injury and Jack Knox entered the back row. The hosts then had a good spell of possession, when Lydney failed to clear their lines the host attack saw a try for Daniel Goldsmith, converted by George Hillson got them the lead 12 -10. Lydney responded well with Dunn proving unplayable soon got them back into the 22m area. Hudson then made another break to the 5m line but despite numerous drives from Frowen, Dunn and Harrison the hosts defence held firm. When a clearance kick was collected by Nelmes who started another attack Dunn entered the line outpacing numerous defenders to get a deserved try to regain the lead 12 – 15. With ten minutes left the momentum changed when Dunn was forced off with an injury. The hosts were now desperate for a score, but the Lydney defence remained solid with turnovers by Frowen and Harrison having a solid game. Lydney did mange another good attack through a Harrison break but failed to add a score. Deep into injury time with then hosts throwing the ball around they found a gap for James Tucker to score, Hillson converted to end the game 19 – 15. Lydney can take plenty from the game with a superb performance to the previous week and only denied late on against a top side, the display deserved more than just a bonus point.
Director of Rugby Sam Arnott commented ‘Following two poor performances in games we should have won this was a good display against a top side, they showed a great attitude and desire today. We had some great opportunities to get us two scores clear which probably would have secured the game. The injuries were unfortunate as we were in control of the game at the time but to lose to the last play was so disappointing. Although no easy games in this league we face a run against top sides with leaders Barnstable up next at Regentsholme in two weeks’ time.’
Lydney – Garrett Myers, Sam Baker, James Bayliss, Mike Massey, Pat Hanslow, Luke Hudson, Kyle Frowen, Rielly Scriven, Grady Alford, Jake Hanley, Henry Sleeman, Ben Large©, Sam Harrison, Brad Dunn, Alex Nelmes. Replacements Alfie Searls, Drew Roberts, Jack Knox.
