National Two South

Richmond 33

BY around 3.40pm on Saturday, Lydney will know if they will still be playing National League rugby next season.

Beating promotion contenders Richmond on their own pitch was always going to be a tall order, but with Hertford and Westcombe Park also losing, Lydney still have their fate in their own hands.

Richmond threw the ball around at every opportunity, using their power and pace to regularly punch holes in the opposition's defence.

They led 21-7 at the break with tries from Tom George, Tom Greenwood and Chris Davis, plus three Thomas Platt conversions.

In the second half, Barnaby Pascall and Davis touched down for the hosts, with Platt kicking another conversion.

Jimmy Roberts scored a try for Lydney a minute before the break, which Tony Wicks converted. Late in the game, Josh Hannam grabbed his 24th try of the season when a Richmond move broke down and the ball fell loose.

And so the focus turns to beating Barnes.

Lydney director of rugby Nick Bartlett won't be there and neither will Will Jones, who is going to a wedding. Other than that, the hosts should have a full squad to pick from.

Bartlett said: "Lydney is a great club. There was a dark period this season when I don't think we showed enough commitment, but we also had some very bad luck – such as losing both games to Launceston.

"It can be dangerous to play a team that has already been relegated, but we can't be relying on other results.

"If we can't beat Barnes at home then maybe we don't deserve to stay up."

Lydney: Tony Wicks, Will Kane (Joel Lesperance 71mins), Josh Hannam, Alan Bryan, Kami Nakove, Curtis Russell, Matt Williams, Lee Green (Steve Price 47mins), Ben Lewis, Nick Selway, Jimmy Roberts, Dave Bennett, Tim Longton (Ben Taylor 42mins. Taylor rep by James Bashford 58mins), Will Jones, Jim McMahon (capt, Tom Emery 49mins).