Lydney v Exmouth match report

With Exmouth an experienced side at this level a tight game was on the cards, Lydney desperately needed a first home win and get back to a ‘fortress’ Regentsholme to ensure they have a good season. Despite a tight first half with the lead constantly changing it was a dominate second half display that saw the Severnsiders run out deserved winners writes Roger Pike.

The Severnsiders have a good coaching set up and their play is looking more organised in the set piece giving them a much greater attacking threat that was lacking in the early games. Although with numerous injuries they had just two changes with Mike Massey back in the second row and Reilly Scriven in the back row. Matt Price and Mike Cross joined Rob White on the bench making up a strong looking Lydney side.

As expected the game was fairly even in the first quarter both sides having opportunities but the match remained scoreless. Lydney were awarded a penalty wide out but the kick from outside half Brad Barnes hit the post and the visitors escaped only to concede another penalty which Barnes made no mistake for 3 – 0. Lydney were now having the better of the possession with numerous attacks in the 22m area, a high tackle on Joe McClean saw the visitors down to 14. Riley Scriven took a quick tap and was stopped just short but the ball was recycled quickly out to winger Brad Dunn to touch down, Barnes added the extras 10 – 0.

The Cockles clearly came to play an open game and were running the ball at every occasion but winning a penalty the opted to kick and Oli Cave got them on the scoreboard at 10 -3. With 10 minutes left Lydney were pressing in the visitors 22m line but the defence held firm and a drop goal attempt from Barnes went just wide, The hosts then had their only poor period of the game giving away numerous penalties one of which the visitors kicked for 10 – 6. Right on half time a quick tap in the 22m area saw Exmouth hooker Jack Ballett score, with Cave converting it was 10 – 13 at halftime.

The Severnsiders were out of the blocks following the half time team talk clearly trying to get back to their game plan. However it was an Exmouth attack that gifted a try for the excellent winger Brad Dunn who intercepted a pass on halfway to outpace the defence and score under the posts. With Barnes adding the extras the hosts had the lead back at 17 -13. However the cockles were not to give up, deep in the hosts 22m a line out drive saw Fin Musgrove score to get the lead back at 17 – 18.

The hosts took advantage of another Barnes penalty to get the lead back at 20 -18. Back on the attack Exmouth took a short line out move catching the Lydney defence napping and Joe Norris scored to get them the lead back 20 – 23 raising the nerve levels of the large home crowd. The game then changed from the kick off, with Lydney regathering possession to feed winger Henry Sleeman who was simply too strong for the defence and powered over from the 22m line despite numerous attempts to tackle him. The reliable Barnes added the extras and the hosts moved on to 27 -23.

The Severnsiders were back on their game plan now and more attacks followed with Harrison Fowke and Riley Scriven having strong games in the pack. However Scriven was then sin binned but the 14 men still had the attacking threat. A great attack from Joe McClean was only halted by a high tackle from Headley and the teams were 14 aside. With time inside the last 10 minutes the Severnsiders concede a penalty which was reversed following a dangerous Exmouth tackle and they were now down to 13.

The hosts quickly kick to the corner to take advantage, from the lineout the forwards are joined by some backs to drive to the line, with the maul collapsed the official no option but to award a penalty try for 34 – 23. Exmouth were still trying to run the ball but errors gave the hosts a final chance with a lineout deep in the 22m zone. Another good catch from Mike Massey saw Riley Scriven score, Barnes added the extras for a final score of 41 -23.

Director of Rugby Sam Arnott commented ‘Really pleased, we had a good 30 minutes with excellent execution of our game plan but a poor 10 minutes before half time got them right back in the game. We refocussed at half time and totally dominated the second period. They are a good side, experienced at this higher level so end up with 41 points is very pleasing. Still plenty to work on before our away trip to Ivybridge next week which will be tough challenge.’