LYDNEY produced a commanding performance as they swept aside local rivals Newent 54-15 to return to winning ways, writes Roger Pike.

Newent arrived bottom of Regional One South West but hopes of a closely contested encounter quickly disappeared as Lydney's forwards took control.

The visitors actually struck first when Tom Webb kicked an early penalty, but Lydney responded through Will Green, who collected from a dominant scrum to cross the line.

Jake Hanley converted before the home pack began to impose themselves, with Nick Selway completing a remarkable first-half hat-trick.

His opening two tries came from powerful catch-and-drive moves following lineouts, while a third followed another penalty kicked into the corner, with Jack Cuthbert providing the platform.

Hanley converted all three scores as Lydney raced into a 28-3 advantage inside the opening half-hour.

George Gladding then crossed for another converted try, extending the lead to 35-3 as Newent struggled to escape their own half.

However, the contest briefly turned when Lydney received three yellow cards shortly before half-time, with Jesse Ribeiro, Cuthbert and Gladding all sent to the sin bin.

Reduced to 12 players, the hosts conceded a try to Newent winger Tom Cowan, converted by Webb, leaving the interval score at 35-10.

The visitors capitalised again shortly after the restart when Antonio De Stefano crossed to reduce the deficit to 20 points.

Some impressive handling in difficult conditions created an opening for Brad Dunn, who cut through the defence to score out wide.

Lydney continued to dominate possession and territory, with Morgan French crashing over for another converted try.

Sustained forward pressure forced the referee to award a penalty try,.

Cuthbert, Harvey Heaven, Green and Selway were influential in the pack, while Alex Seville provided valuable experience.

Backs Hanley and captain Reece Boughton controlled territory through intelligent tactical kicking.