National Two South

Clifton 13

'WE need to get our bite back' was the reaction of Lydney second-row Jim McMahon following this home defeat to Clifton. It was the Bristol side's first win since November.

Tom O'Keefe's try a minute before half-time proved the match-winning score in a game of few real chances.

Both Sam Winchcombe and Tony Wicks went for a high ball which bounced nicely to O'Keeffe, who ran in from 35m.

Lydney won numerous penalties, but opted to kick for the corners rather than the posts. Clifton's well organised defence ensured that tactic failed to pay off.

McMahon said: "I thought the conditions were perfect for 10 man rugby but we didn't kick behind them and make them turn.

"We had a bigger pack than them but we need to get the bite back, the hunger and nastiness that Lydney is renowned for."

With Duncan Bell still on honeymoon, Paul Morris took charge of the Lydney side.

It's been a tough few weeks as they've hardly been able to train together because the players are scattered all over the county and have not been able to travel in the snow.

Danny Trigg kicked two second half penalties for Lydney. However, Ben Roberts slotted two penalties for the visitors and also converted O'Keefe's try.

McMahon and Ben Taylor gave the Lydney pack some extra spirit from the bench, while Paul Price had another big game in the loose. It was not enough.

McMahon added: "Clifton are a team we should be beating but we didn't put our physical stamp on the game.

"We didn't play to the game plan and dominate their pack."

Lydney: Tony Wicks, Josh Hannam, Chris Holder, Josh Innes, Tai Lacabuka (Danny Chui 51), Danny Trigg, Jason Graham, Paul Price, Jake Fields (Ben Lewis 28), Sam Winchcombe (Adam Ledner 51), Charlie Daniel, Dave Bennett (Jim McMahon 67), Tim Longton, Will Jones, Matt Taylor (capt, Ben Taylor 67).