Luctonians 19 Lydney 10
Lydney lose their unbeaten start to the season away to a strong Luctonians side.
After a long trip on the minibus and a delayed kick off the Lydney lads could have struggled to get started but went into the first half with plenty of fight. With strong windy conditions in the away team’s favour the ball was pushed deep into the Luctonians half. Plenty of big carries from the Lydney forwards got play right up to the Luctonians line and Tight head prop Frank Barkley crashed over for the first try. Conversion was missed 0 – 5.
Luctonians defended well and stopped further Lydney scores and it was on the half time whistle that they managed to break the Lydney defence from a driving maul through their big forwards, Conversion was kicked for 7-5 lead at half time.
Second half started with a good kick into the Lydney half. Pressure was applied by the Lucs forwards and a penalty was awarded for holding on at the ruck. The penalty was kicked to the corner for a lineout and Lucs again drove the lineout over the Lydney line for another score. Conversion was missed but Lucs now had some breathing space at 12- 5.
The Lydney lads again went on the attack and some good runs by the forwards and backs pushed Lydney close. Good handling in the backs allowed for Lucas Watkins to crash over in the corner. Conversion was narroly missed from the touch line but Lydney were now fully back in the game. The restart saw player of the match Alfie Hewitt make another good run. Defense from both teams really stepped up and another penalty fro holding on at the ruck was given against Lydney. Again the ball was kicked to the corner and the resulting line out driven over. The Lydney lads pleaded with the ref that the ball was held up. No grounding was seen but the score was given and the Lucs flyhalf kicked the conversion to take it to 19-10. Lydney needed two scores and worked hard to get back in the game. Desperate defended by Lucs stopped the Lydney lads from scoring and another penalty was awarded and they kicked to touch to take the win.
A bit of a hangover game from the huge result the previous week but another good test for the lads. Lydney will be keen to play in the return fixtures early next year to seek revenge.