Lydney Youngsters win again
Report and Pictures by Roger Pike
Cleeve2nd IV 3 Lydney Utd 21
The future is looking bright at Regentlsholme, fielding a squad of 17; Lydney had only 3 players over 20 and included some youngsters from the U18 and U17 teams who won again in a very workman like performance. Cleeve fielded a strong side but were outclassed with the speed and ferocity of the young Severnsiders squad who were always in control of the match despite some pressure from the hosts in the first period.
The Severnsiders started the brighter with the first quarter a very tight affair and the hosts had a penalty to lead 3 – 0 after 15 minutes. The Severnsiders then started to dominate and a good move with forwards and backs saw Rob Page get the first try converted by Alex Nelmes to put Lydney ahead at 3 – 7. Lydney really started to dominate and Riley Scriven was proving a real handful all afternoon for the Cleeve defence with some rampaging runs and strong tackles. Lydney went further ahead following a flowing move which ended with outside half Alex Nelmes scoring, young Drew Roberts converted for 3 – 14. Both sides continued to attack but it was Lydney who always looked the more dangerous. Cleeve never gave up but a clever intercepted pass saw Jordan Stone race away to score, with Roberts adding the extras Lydney were out of sight at 3 – 21. Ethan Annis had a superb game and is another of many good Lydney youngsters for the future. Lydney continued to dominate the closing encounters and a superb reverse pass by young 1st team centre Henry Sleeman saw the Severnsiders stopped just short of another try and the match ended 3 – 21.
Transition Coach Paul Roberts who is tasked to develop Lydney youngsters to the senior team commented ‘brilliant that’s our 6th win and this was a good performance, so really pleased, we are still improving each week so plenty more to come. There were some good performances today especially from some of the young players but everyone played well in a tough game. Our new set up to bring youngsters from our Colts and U17 teams through to senior rugby is giving excellent results so the future is looking good and I am proud to be a part of the development.’