‘Lydney dominate in Cornwall.’
Report and Pictures by Roger Pike
St Austell 13 Lydney 36
Lydney made the long trip to Cornwall for a difficult tie against St Austell who are always strong at home writes Roger Pike. Director of Rugby Sam Arnott made a few changes welcoming an experienced new signing in Rickie Aley at outside half and Danny Price starting in the centre, on the bench young Harvey Heaven made his 1st team debut. The match was won by a superb defensive performance from Lydney to nullify the hosts attacks, with some clinical execution of their chances saw them run out deserved winners to remain unbeaten.
Playing with the wind the hosts dominated the opening 10 minutes with Lydney unable to get out of their own half. Only a good tackle from Alex Nelmes stopped the opening try. Despite the hosts having all the possession and territory Lydney had a superb defensive line which the hosts never really looked like breaching. Finally winning a penalty the hosts decided to kick, and Ben Saunders opened the scoring 3 – 0. Using the wind the hosts remained in the Lydney half, and another Saunders penalty extended the lead 6 – 0. Lydney finally started to get into the game, a penalty from Rickie Aley was kicked to the corner, a superb lineout take from Hanslow saw a resulting drive and Nick Selway proved again his power to drive over 6 – 5. The visitors then started to gain some control, their big pack started to dominate winning a penalty just inside the hosts half, Aley knocked over a superb kick against the wind for 6 – 8. Lydney remained dominate a good run from Henry Sleeman set up an attack from which they were unlucky not to score, another break saw the impressive Jack Cuthbert break the defence but a knock on stopped a certain try. Not to be denied another break saw Rowan Mullis storm up field, deep in the 22m area Brad Dunn was on hand to receive the pass to score, Aley added the conversion to lead 6 – 15 at halftime.
The next score would prove critical to the outcome and playing with the wind Lydney would prove clinical in attack, an Aley kick got them deep into the 22m area, winning the lineout some drives from Cuthbert, Mullis and Selway got them to the try line, James Bonia was on hand to pick up and crash over, Aley added the extras 6 – 22. The hosts did respond from the restart, but the Lydney defence was just knocking them backwards and they looked lacking ideas. Ben Large, Frowen, Hudson and Selway were putting in big tackles all match frustrating any hosts attacks. The Lydney pack were well on top winning a penalty from virtually any scrum. Opting for a scrum on the 5m line they drove over and Hanslow touched down for the score, again Aley added the conversion 6 – 29 and the bonus point secure. The hosts as expected did create some attacks, but the defence remained solid. Lydney emptied their bench, Harvey Heaven made his debut making some good tackles. From a good attack the hosts lose the ball and Lydney break downfield, Nelmes broke the line and the offload to Dunn saw him score his second try of the match. Aley was having a superb day with the boot from hand and tee added the touchline conversion 6 – 36. The hosts did get a consolation try to end the game 13 – 36 but Lydney had a well-deserved 5 points for their impressive performance.
Director of Rugby Sam Arnott commented ‘Really pleased after last week, the great defensive performance gave us the platform to win the game. They were stifled in attack, and our set piece was outstanding all afternoon. Execution in the red zone was again good we scored five tries but created numerous other good opportunities. We need to work hard during the week as we face a huge challenge next week at Regentsholme against Brixham.’
Lydney – James Bonia, Nick Selway, Alfie Searles, Danny Hodge, Jack Cuthbert, Luke Hudson, Kyle Frowen, Pat Hanslow, Tom Broady, Rickie Aley, Henry Sleeman, Ben Large©, Danny Price, Alex Nelmes. Replacements Rowan Mullis, Harvey Heaven, Joe Hamlin.
