‘Lydney edged out in final game.’
Report and Pictures by Roger Pike
Marlborough 36 Lydney 25
A solid display ended with a narrow defeat against Marlborough who needed the win to guarantee safety in the division writes Roger Pike. It has been a frustrating season for the young Lydney side, being around the top of the table for most of 2024 but managing just one win this year saw them plumet down the table however they are secure in level 5 finishing mid table. They have been competitive in virtually every game and deserved a top six finish, however not to be but this the young side will have gained valuable experience and with a couple of exciting youngsters stepping up next season plus some recruitment ongoing in the summer things already look promising for next season.
The starting lineup had a few changes from last week’s win with Rielly Scriven injured Jack Knox started at open side, Garret Myers was in the front row and Sam Harrison moved to outside half. On the bench saw the return of the experienced Kurt Brown with James Lane and Grady Alford. The game was dominated by the conditions with a gale force wind blowing across a rock-hard pitch with little grass made flowing rugby difficult. It was also not helped by the huge penalty count the official awarded along with six yellow cards producing a very stop start encounter. It was Lydney who got off to dominant opening ten minutes with Brad Dunn having the best of chances just denied by a knock on when touching down. With their first attack the hosts scored following a scrum on the 22m line, the ball was spun wide, however with a clear forward pass not seen the try for Lotu Vinapola was given, converted by Matakaiango for 7 -0. Lydney responded well with Hanslow, Hudson and Frowen already having a good impact. The hosts scored again when the visitors were caught napping from a quick tap penalty for Dylan Davies to score 12 – 0. Lydney then put the hosts under severe pressure causing them to concede penalties, when a yellow card followed Lydney took full advantage and Brad Dunn scored out wide. 12 – 5. The hosts on the attack saw a quick tap penalty for Manatu Leleifi to score 19 -5. With line outs a mockery in the wind both sides opted for quick tap penalties, this time Sam Harrison made a super run beating off five attempted tackles to score 19 -10. With another card Lydney took full advantage, a Massey lineout take saw the ball moved to Harrison who again went through the defence 19 -15 as the half ended.
Playing down the slope things looked promising for the visitors, Frowen was having an exceptional game with Large and Harrison looking dangerous in the back line however it was Deans-Smith who was unlucky not to score from a kick through. The hosts then created an attack with some forward drives to score close in 26 – 15. Almost immediately they score again with some missed tackles from the visitors allowing an easy try 33 – 15. Lydney had plenty of scoring opportunities but numerous stoppages for penalties broke up the momentum. When Frowen received a yellow the hosts kicked and Matakaiango added the three points 36 – 15. Lydney then dominated the final quarter some good drives from Hanslow and Myers followed up from Bayliss and Hudson saw Broady score 36 – 20 and a bonus point secure. With Brown and Alford on Lydney continued to dominate, another attack saw the ball spun out to Dunn who was proving unplayable to score again 36 -25. With Deans-Smith again tackled short saw the clearing kick go directly to Dunn who was finally tackled with the try line beckoning. The deciding factor came with Lydney denied two tries, firstly the super lively Alford was brought down by a high tackle, the game continued but the official stopped the game as Dunn touched down for a Lydney penalty. With another yellow for the hosts the same was repeated this time Deans-Smith touched down only for the game to be brought back for a penalty. Lydney continued to batter away in the 22m area, but the game ended 36 – 25.
Director of Rugby Sam Arnott commented ‘A typical end of season game with Marlborough desperate for survival creating a tough high intensity game. We played some good rugby today but needed to adjust our game to match the interpretation of the breakdown by the Official who was fair to both sides on the penalty count. It was a great last twenty minutes and only for two brought back scores it would have changed the outcome. Finally, a huge thank you from the Players and Coaches for the superb support we have received all season, you make an enormous difference, see you in September.’
Lydney – Garret Myers, Sam Baker, James Bayliss, Mike Massey, Pat Hanslow, Luke Hudson, Jack Knox, Kyle Frowen, Tom Broady, Sam Harrison, Ellis Deans-Smith, Ben Large©, Henry Sleeman, Brad Dunn, Alex Nelmes. Replacements James Lane, Kurt Brown, Grady Alford
