National Two South
Lydney 27
Dings Crusaders 13
GAMES between Lydney and Dings are always hard fought and this one was no exception.
Again, Lydney's dominance revolved around their pack and their ability to win the set-pieces.
The hosts were without Brett Turner, the suspended Tony Wicks and Lee Thomas.
Craig Jones (pictured) took over the kicking duties and put the home side ahead with a third minute penalty after Dings were caught offside, but two penalties from Steve Plummer gave the visitors the initiative.
Lydney, always much happier at home than on the road, were getting the upper hand of their opponents in the forwards battle, but the backs also looked sharper than in recent weeks.
Jones slotted another penalty, then Josh Hannam intercepted a stray pass and raced 50 metres to the line. The conversion from Jones made it 13-6 at the break.
Lydney continued to dominate possession and territory in the second half, but Dings drew level with a try from Tim Brockett against the run of play, converted by Plummer.
Lydney found another gear – disrupting Dings in the scrum and pushing them back over their line. Nick Selway was a delighted scorer.
The impressive Hannam intercepted for a second time to score under the posts. Jones added the conversion with the final kick of the game.
Lydney: Will Kane (rep Doug Freeman 60), Chris Holder, Dan Chui, Josh Hannam, Charlie Vine, Craig Jones, Stewart Doust, Leigh Green, Ben Lewis, Nick Selway, Jim McMahon, Paul Scott (rep James Bashford 52), Tim Longton, Will Jones (capt), Matt Taylor. Other Reps: David Emery, Ashley Jennings, Curtis Russell.
LYDNEY United lost 14-13 away at Dings in the Premier Division of the Gloucestershire Reserve League.