‘Unbeaten Lydney win derby game.’
Report and Pictures by Roger Pike
Lydney 32 Matson 20
Unbeaten Lydney, 2nd in the table, faced a tough test in the local derby against Matson writes Roger Pike. The hosts were able to field a virtually unchanged side, just two changes Joe Hamlin started at centre replacing the injured Danny Price and Alex Nelmes returned at full back. Some further good news for Director of Rugby Sam Arnott was Charlie Beddis now fit to start in the replacements. The game was to prove a real thriller with Matson dominating the first 30 minutes, but the hosts put in a superb second half display scoring 26 points with 4 tries to run out deserved winners and take 5 points.
Lydney did not start well dropping the ball from the kick off, Matson set up some attacks and scored almost immediately when Baylis crossed for 0 -5. The visitors remained dominant and with another penalty won Jake Hanley kicked to extend the lead 0 – 8. The hosts won a penalty from the restart, but the Rickie Aley kick went just wide. The visitors continue to dominate and only a superb last tackle from Brad Dunn stopped another score. Matson had another terrific opportunity but again wasted a try scoring chance with a forward pass. Lydney finally got an attack going and a deft kick from Aley saw the ball run into touch before Dunn could collect for the try. When another good break from Nelmes and Dunn forced a penalty Aley opted to kick with no mistake 3 – 8. Matson responded immediately from the restart and from a penalty Hanley kicked for 3 – 11. With Large and Hamlin putting in a good defensive shift in midfield the hosts were nullifying any attacks from the visitor’s backline. With halftime approaching Lydney started to control the game thorough their pack. Hanslow, Selway, Cuthbert and Frowen started to make good yards with the ball. With a penalty close to the line a catch and drive saw Danny Hodge drive on to score but the Official gave a held-up decision. Back on the attack the hosts win another penalty which Aley kicked, and the half ended 6 – 11.
The hosts were out of the blocks for the second half, a good run from Hodge sets up a backs move with Nelmes ad Dunn getting to the 5m but unfortunately the scoring offload to Hudson could was knocked on. The hosts were back in the visitors 22m area, a line out won saw a forward drive and that man Selway once again unstoppable scored out wide. Aley added the conversion and the hosts had the lead 13 – 11. From the restart Lydney attack again and a superb run from James Bonia saw him charge down to the 22m area, Tom Broady was on hand to kick the ball over the try line but unfortunate knock on while touching down. The hosts are now dominant in the game and only a deliberate knock on by the visitors stopped another score but picked up another yellow card. Lydney took full advantage of the 14 men, when a forward drive is stopped Frowen breaks clear and gets to within 5m, with the ball recycled Aley spun a huge pass out to winger Henry Sleeman who crashed through two tacklers to score in the corner 18 -11. From a brief attack after the restart Matson won a penalty just on halfway and Hanley opted to kick 18 – 14. The hosts though continued to dominate, and the visitors were conceding numerous penalties. With Hanslow and Cuthbert dominating the line outs another catch and drive saw the inevitable with Selway scoring again, Aley added the conversion 25 -14. Matson desperately were trying to get something from the game and had a good period of pressure in the Lydney 22m area. Spinning the ball around only a superb tackle from Selway which forced man and ball into touch stopped a certain try. The visitors continued to look for a score but with the hosts defence solid Hanley opted to kick another penalty 25 – 17. With 5 minutes left Matson through everything at Lydney trying for the win or at least a bonus point which gave a nervous end for the large crowd. Camped in the 22m area Matson are kept out by a top defence from Cuthbert, Frowen, Hudson and Hodge in particular. A penalty for offside saw Hanley kick again for 25 – 20 to get them a bonus point at least. However from the restart they try to run it back deep in their 22m area looking for a win, spinning the ball across their 22m line a pass is dropped and the alert Brad Dunn collects the loose ball to beat the last defender and score in the corner to send the home crowd wild. More was to follow as Aley kicked the tough conversion and the superbly entertaining game ended 32 – 20.
Director of Rugby Sam Arnott commented ‘A derby game is always tough; Matson had a good 30 minutes at the start with a clear game plan which we aided them with some sloppy play. We spoke at the break to up the energy and speed of the game and totally dominated the second half. The set piece gave us a great platform, and we scored 26 points which could easily have been more so really pleased. We continue at Regentsholme next week when another top side Devonport Services are the visitors which again will be a huge game.’
Lydney – Rowan Mullis, Nick Selway, James Bonia, Danny Hodge, Jack Cuthbert, Luke Hudson, Kyle Frowen, Pat Hanslow, Tom Broady, Rickie Aley, Henry Sleeman, Ben Large©, Joe Hamlin, Brad Dunn Alex Nelmes. Replacements Alfie Searls, Harvey Heaven, Charlie Beddis.
