A Friday evening fixture under the lights at Regentsholme always adds some extra spice and passion, especially when Drybrook are in town for a Forest Combination Senior Cup semi-final.

The derby did not disappoint: the large crowd was entertained with some huge tackles, a few handbags, and some good running rugby from both sides.

Although the visitors had more possession and several scoring chances it was solid home defence and the experienced heads that managed out a 14-8 win for Lydney.

Lydney started the better with a great Pat Hanslow break getting them within five metres but the move ended with a knock-on.

With Lydney conceding numerous penalties Drybrook remained camped in the 22m but the hosts’ defence remained solid with Danny Price, Hanslow, Jack Cuthbert and Zak Williams putting in multiple tackles.

Drybrook eventually opted to kick and Liam Harris converted for 0-3.

The hosts then had their best spell of the game, a break from Price got them upfield with James Bonia and Jack Knox adding some yards.

From a 22m lineout a Hanslow take and the the forwards marshalled by Hodge got within 10m.

Tom Broady recycled the ball to winger Tyerees Douglas who cut into the line and crossed out wide. Charlie Beddis made it 7-3.

With the hosts looking in command solid running from Hanslow, Cuthbert and Price always looked dangerous. After another catch and drive the impressive Rowan Mullis was on hand out wide to batter through two defenders to score.

Beddis added the difficult conversion for 14-3.

The visitors responded immediately and created more chances with breaks from Harry Howard and Tom Baldwin in midfield which kept them in the Lydney 22m.

Mitch Bourne marshalled a forward drive to cross the line but a held-up decision was given.

Drybrook remained camped in the Lydney half for the final 10 minutes but could not break a well-marshalled defence.

Playing down the slope in the second half, the home side created an early chance with a penalty from a Williams turnover.

However, the lineout was misfunctioning with Finn Watkins stealing ball or causing overthrows.

Drybrook began to dominate possession and they executed one of numerous chances when full-back Will Heal scored in the corner for 14-8.

With Lydney lacklustre, only a knock on stopped another score.

Another penalty saw the forwards pound the Lydney line but the experienced heads of Kyle Frowen, Hodge, Joe Hamlin and Price kept the defence solid.

A break by Drybrook’s Mitch Baldwin was spun out and only a last tackle from Alex Nelmes stopped a try. Rowan Mullis was given a yellow card for offside, replaced by Alfie Searls.

The final stages were a nervous watch for both supporters with just a 6-point difference.

From a Frowen turnover a Lydney penalty got them into the hosts half in injury time and some game management from Hodge slowed things down to keep them downfield Lydney will face Newent in the final at Regentsholme in early May.

Head Coach Paul Morris said: “Despite their league position Drybrook showed some real character and caused us a lot of problems.

“Not a great performance from us as form means little in a derby fixture but we did just enough, helped by our experienced players we managed out a tight game.”