National Two South

Lydney 13

Worthing 32

WITH Dings Crusaders pulling off a shock win over Southend, Lydney slipped into the bottom three for the first time this season.

They also had leading try scorer Josh Hannam sent off four minutes from the end of the match for a tip-tackle, that could result in a seven week suspension. Dave Bennett and Jimmy Roberts formed a new second-row partnership for Lydney, with Steve Price preferred in the front-row to Nick Selway.

Roberts set a good example around the field and got through plenty of work, while Bennett added extra athleticism.

Berry Hill old boys Craig Jones and Dave Arnott were reunited in the half-back positions, with Josh Innes switched to the centre.

Needing a good start, Lydney made half-a-dozen errors in the opening 30 minutes – falling behind to a second minute try from Matthew Miles, which McLean converted.

Tony Wicks cut the deficit with a penalty, but things never went Lydney's way and they were 22-6 down by the break.

McLean and Nielsen scored further tries for Worthing, with Lydney's woes compounded by the loss of skipper Jim McMahon to the sin-bin.

Wicks slotted a second penalty for the home side.

Worthing secured their bonus point two minutes into the second half when Nielsen crossed for his second try. McLean's conversion made it 29-6.

Worthing's Hewick and Miles were both shown yellow cards, which allowed Lydney to rally.

Josh Hannam touched down for his 17th try of the season, which Wicks converted, but the match ended on another low with the dismissal of Hannam.