National Two South

Worthing 20

THE result was not what he wanted, but coach Duncan Bell says he cannot criticise his players after a hugely improved performance against one of the best sides in the division.

It was certainly a far cry from the home defeat to Canterbury, where the line-out was such a shambles the visitors were calling their own backs moves off Lydney's throws.

Bell said: "That's the best our forwards have played.

"We've worked hard in training and been good, but finally we took that onto the pitch. We were solid in the scrums and the line-outs.

"Although we lost, at least the players know what they can do.

To a man, they said 'this is our benchmark and we do not fall below it again'.

"Had we come into this game with more confidence I think we would have taken more of our chances."

The home side were quicker into their stride and went 6-0 up with a penalty and a drop-goal from Tony Wicks.

Worthing struck back with an unconverted try in the corner from winger Greg Sullivan from their first real attack.

Lydney defended resolutely but ultimately paid a heavy price for not taking their scoring opportunities.

Worthing seized a 10-6 advantage with a second try from Jamie Redmayne.

Two minutes into the second half Lydney winger Alex Hall grabbed his fourth try of the season, which Wicks converted. Wicks and MacLean traded penalties to bring the scores level, but with time running out the visitors – now down to 14 men with Pete Cleveland in the sin-bin – scored their winning try through Rob Smith.

Hooker Jake Fields has struggled at times this season, but the ex-Bath United player finally showed the Lydney fans what he is capable of.

Bell said: "He hit every line-out, made yards in the loose and was a pain at the breakdown. He was my man of the match."

Lydney: Tony Wicks, Chris Holder, Josh Innes, Lewis Beer, Alex Hall, Curtis Russell, Jason Graham, Ben Lewis, Jake Fields, Andy Jarrett, Peter Butcher, Dave Bennett, Matt Taylor (capt), Tim Longton, Charlie Daniel. Reps (all used): Jim McMahon, Danny Chui, Duncan Bell, Ben Taylor, Dan Allison.