National Two South

Henley 46

LYDNEY were well beaten, but a late try from Luke Kell secured a bonus point to lift the Severnsiders out of the bottom three.

Relegation rivals Hertford and Dings Crusaders both lost this week, meaning there's still everything to play for in the final month of the season.

Lydney struggled just to get their hands on the ball during the opening 10 minutes as Henley quickly imposed themselves on the game. The visitors could not contain Henley's powerful driving maul as the hosts ran in six tries in total, including a 24th minute penalty-try.

After an early second half blitz, Lydney found themselves 46-18 down and virtually out of the game.

The fact that they were able to battle back for a bonus point – scoring two late tries through Josh Hannam and Luke Kell – at least shows they are up for the relegation scrap.

Lydney rallied strongly late in the match, flooding the pitch with replacements who gave them an extra edge.

Hannam sped down the short side to score from a 5m scrum, then the same player set up the try for teenager Kell by smashing through the centre of the pitch.

Hannam also scored Lydney's only first half try, with prop Nick Selway finishing off a powerful maul to crash over the line on the hour.

Tony Wicks booted two penalties and two conversions.

Josh Hannam's double means he is the second top try scorer in the division – one behind former Cinderford man Reuben Haile, now with Taunton.

The powerful winger is certainly going to be a key figure in Lydney's nail-biting run-in, starting with Southend at home this Saturday (3pm).

After that, the Severnsiders host Hartpury College on April 14, visit Richmond on April 21, then take on Barnes at home in a final showdown at Regentsholme on April 28.

Lydney: Tony Wicks, Josh Hannam, Josh Innes (Alan Bryan 72), Luke Kell, Will Kane, Curtis Russell (Craig Jones 62), Dave Arnott, Steve Price (rep by Nick Selway 73), Ben Lewis, Nick Selway (Lee Green 62), Jimmy Roberts (James Bashford 69), Dave Bennett, Tim Longton (Ben Taylor 72), Will Jones, Matt Taylor.