HEAD coach Duncan Bell says his Lydney players surpassed expectations on last weekend's trip to Manchester.

And he believes last season's relegation could be a blessing in disguise, helping the club to regroup and rediscover a 'winning mentality'.

Lydney beat ambitious Sale by 19-0 with a try from Sam Arnott and 14 points from the boot of Brett Turner.

The return of those two experienced players will significantly strengthen Lydney's back division this term, according to Bell.

He said: "Sale want to become the feeder team for Sale Sharks and they have signed a lot of new players from the likes of Macclesfield and Wigan Rugby League.

"I was fearful before the game - they were much bigger and leaner than us and had a lot of athletes, plus players with pedigree.

"But we've got good rugby players here now. I was delighted with how things went."

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