‘Lydney win local derby with controlled display.’
Report and Pictures by Roger Pike
Matson 15 Lydney 29
Following a big win at Regentsholme last week a confident Lydney travelled the short distance to Matson for this derby fixture writes Roger Pike. Matson always strong at home provided a stern test but it was Lydney who put in a controlled team performance, managing the game playing up the slope in the first half to keep the scores close but then totally dominated the second period with the wind and slope advantage to earn a deserved 5 points. With injuries mounting Ben Jones made his debut on the wing and new signings George Knowles was joined by the returning Jake Hanley on the bench.
Playing up the slope Lydney dominated the opening 10 minutes with some good field position. The hosts were forced into giving away a couple of penalties and following a late tackle on Ben Large picked up a yellow card. Brad Barnes knocked over the resulting penalty for 0 -3. Matson attacked from the kick off and were soon on the 5m line. Some good Lydney defence finally conceded a penalty which Tom Law kicked to level the scores. Matson then piled on the pressure with the elements in their favour, a missed penalty kick was followed by another penalty. Opting to scrum the hosts made a few drives before Tom Porter crashed over for 8 -3. Lydney then created some good attacking plays, with Matson again giving away numerous penalties the official issued another yellow. The visitors took full advantage with good breaks from Ben Large and Kyle Frowen a recycled ball was shipped wide for Ben Jones to score in the corner, Barnes added a superb touchline kick to regain the lead 8 – 10. The hosts did mount an attack before the break, but a well organised Lydney defence held firm with some great tackles from Luke Hudson, McGurk and Scriven to end the half 8 – 10.
Jake Hanley came off the bench to start the second half at full back. The visitors now with the elements in their favour made a strong start and were soon deep in the hosts 22m area. With Hudson winning a line out, the ball was spun out to Barnes who caught the defence napping and went clean through unchallenged under the posts. Adding the conversion to his try the score moved out to 8 -17. The visitors then lost control for a spell following the restart and conceded a couple of penalties. With the hosts opting for their catch and drive they again crossed the line, with Law adding the kick the game became tight at 15 – 17. However, with the conditions in their favour Lydney were slowly starting to dominate and were soon back in the hosts 22m area. Winning another line out from the superb Hanslow, the pack opted for the catch and drive making good meters to cross the line for a Frowen touch down. Barnes again added the extras to give them some daylight at 15 – 24. Lydney were also starting to dominate the scrum with Gearard McGurk dominating his opposite number, another penalty saw a huge Hanley kick land in the corner. With Hanslow winning the line out a good break from man of the match Kyle Frowen was tackled short, the ball spun out quickly by Broady went across the backline for Hanley to score in the corner 15 – 29. Lydney continued to dominate the last 5 minutes and should have added to their score, Henry Sleeman was unlucky not to touch down following a neat Barnes kick, Harrison and Large both went close in the closing encounters and the game ended 15 -29.
Director of Rugby Sam Arnott commented ‘Delighted with the performance, it’s a difficult place to come and we needed to play a different style to ensure the win. The plan to keep the game tight in the first half when playing up the slope was achieved and then we dominated the second half, we should have scored more but got the full 5 points. What’s pleasing is we are winning but there is still lots to work on to improve the side as the season progresses, next week we are back at Regentsholme for the visit of Sidmouth, the challenge is to end the month in style.’
Lydney – Rowan Mullis, Sam Baker, Gearard McGurk, Mike Massey, Pat Hanslow, Luke Hudson, Kyle Frowen, Rielly Scriven, Tom Broady, Brad Barnes, Henry Sleeman, Ben Large©, Sam Harrison, Ben Jones, Tom Rowe. Replacements Garrett Myers, George Knowles, Jake Hanley.
