Wellington away match report

Lydney travelled to the Athletic ground in Wellington which looked on paper an easy game with the hosts towards the bottom of the table. However on a glorious sunny day ideal for running rugby the hosts showed a spirited resolve and made the game a real entertaining fixture. The Severnsiders were able to field a virtually unchanged side so hopes were high for a big win and a valuable five points in their promotion hunt however the hosts had other ideas and scored some good tries but Lydney did just enough to run out winners.

The Severnsiders came out of the blocks fast and scored within a minute, the hosts knocked on the kick off and the Lydney forwards rumble down field with second row Jimmy Walters getting the first score, outside half Tony Wicks added the extras for 0 – 7. Lydney were immediately back on the attack moving the ball around to gain good territory, another forward drive saw scrum half Sam Arnott pick up and wriggle through the hosts forward pack to score, Wicks added the conversion and Lydney were 0 – 14 after just five minutes and it looked to be a long afternoon for the hosts. However on a day made for running rugby the hosts young speedy side moved the ball at every occasion and it took a major effort from the Lydney defence to keep them out. The pressure eventually told and full back Alex Davey cut through the Lydney back line to score a try which he converted for 7 – 14. The game then remained even for a spell the Severnsiders looking the more dangerous but some sloppy play stopped any further scores. Wellington started to develop their game creating some good overlaps, from an offside penalty they kicked to the corner. With the line out won the forwards crossed and Chris Kitto scored for 12 – 14. Following a scuffle with the forwards Jordan Fowke was sent to the bin and the visitors were down to 14. A good response with a player down saw Joe McClean make a break through the backline, a good offload to Henry Sleeman saw him tackled but crossing the line. However the official ruled a double movement and the hosts escaped. Lydney then collected a kick on halfway and moved it across field, from the breakdown Arnott put in a deft kick for winger Brad Dunn to collect and cross the line dragging a couple of defenders with him for 12 – 19. The hosts refused to give up and a forward drive saw them score again to reduce the deficit to 17 – 19 at half time.

Now playing down the slope Lydney started the second half the stronger eventually winning a penalty just 5m out. They opted for the scrum chasing the bonus point win and cross when big John Barker crashes through; Wicks added the extras to extend lead to 17 – 26. The visitors then had further good possession winning another penalty on the 22m line which Wicks confidently knocked over to put them two scores ahead 17 – 29. The hosts still kept playing and were rewarded with a good try, moving the ball quickly and stretching the Lydney defence George Hodgson cut through for 22 – 19. The nerves did not get to the visitors as they put their best move of the match together, moving the ball around to gain good territory they got a scrum 5m out, a forward drive from John Barker was stopped short but this time Arnott decided to spin the ball and substitute Jack O’Connell cut a lovely line to score unopposed to get Lydney out of sight at 22 – 36. The hosts still battled away and Hodgeson crossed again for his second try, Davey added the two which set up a very nervous last five minutes at 29 – 36. With the hosts tapping any penalties and spinning the ball around created space everywhere as they looked to tie the game but a massive tackle from Joe McClean forced a knock on and Lydney escaped. A further penalty saw Lydney move into the hosts half where another penalty was won, although Wicks missed the kick the official blew to end the game 29 – 36.

Director of Rugby Chris Green ‘our objective was 5 points today, we will take the result and it keeps us in the hunt for a top two finish. It was not a great performance, we had some good attacks but some sloppy play stopped numerous scoring chances and our ability to control the game. We will work hard in training this week to ensure we are ready for a much sterner test next week in a local derby away at Newent’

Lydney – James Pugh(c), Harrison Fowke, Jack Spencer, Mike Massey, Jimmy Walters Luke Hudson, Riley Scriven, Jordan Fowke, Sam Arnott, Tony Wicks, Brad Dunn, Ollie Locke, Joe McClean, Henry Sleeman, Tom Broady. Replacements: Rob White, John Barker, Jack O’Connell.