Lydney started the second half strongly despite heavy rain now falling and playing up the slope.

Heaven was winning good lineout ball to set up attacks.

A penalty won by Frowen saw a catch and drive from 10m stopped on the line but quick recycling from Broady found the industrious Zak Willims who scored in the corner for 3-13.

The hosts then dominated with numerous opportunities but solid defence kept them out with a superb performance from Hamlin and Price in midfield.

Lydney emptied their bench, Doyle-Finch added some more pace to the breakdown with Hanslow, James Bonia, and the impressive Jack Knox making a vast number of tackles.

However, it was a forward drive that saw the hosts score a converted try.

Sidmouth dominated the final quarter and Nathan Tompkins scored to give them a 15-13 lead with five minutes left.

The visitors never gave up in the horrible conditions and created another attack which won a penalty deep into injury time.

Captain Hodge opted for the difficult kick and the ice man Tom Rowe stepped up to knock it over for a deserved 15-16 win.

Coach Paul Morris said: ‘I thought we deserved the win.

“The heavy conditions suited them but in open play we created some great chances and should have scored more.

“Today was a superb defensive display and showed the real character of the squad with all 18 players working extremely hard to ensure a superb away win.

Next week we are back are Devon against second in the table Topsham, so we go there full of confidence.’

Lydney: James Lane, Jack Knox, James Bonia, Danny Hodge (captain), Pat Hanslow, Harvey Heaven, Kyle Frowen, Zak Williams, Tom Broady, Charlie Beddis, Tom Rowe, Joe Hamlin, Danny Price, Brad Dunn, Alex Nelmes.

Replacements: Alfie Searls, Wilf Doyle-Finch, Aaron Esiri.