LYDNEY RFC produced an encouraging attacking display as they were narrowly beaten 43-38 by Luctonians 2nd XV in an entertaining pre-season friendly at Regentsholme.

Director of rugby Paul Morris again fielded a much-changed squad as he looked to give players game time ahead of Lydney's league opener away to Topsham on September 26.

Nick Selway returned to bolster the pack, while James Bayliss, Danny Price and Joe Hamlin made their first appearances and Jack Knox captained the side.

National League Two West outfit Luctonians brought a strong second squad and enjoyed plenty of possession, but Lydney matched their visitors with some impressive running rugby.

The visitors struck first before Lydney immediately responded through Jake Hanley, who converted his own try to make it 7-7.

Impressive winger Tom Rowe then crossed to put the hosts ahead and added his second try later in the half, but Luctonians' clinical attack helped them establish a 31-17 advantage at the break.

Lydney responded superbly after half-time. Jesse Ribiero crossed before Hanley converted to reduce the deficit to seven points.

A flowing interchange of passes then released George Gladding for another converted try, bringing Lydney level at 31-31.

Luctonians regained the lead and capitalised on a late Lydney error to move 43-31 ahead, but the hosts refused to give up.

Another slick attacking move ended with Ribiero scoring his second try to complete the scoring at 43-38.

The performance left Lydney with plenty of positives as new players continued to settle into the squad and their quicker attacking approach began to take shape.

Morris said: “A really good contest. We put in a solid performance.

“It’s never easy with players missing, but we were able to give all players some game time, try some new tactics and they certainly put in a performance for selection, so overall very pleased.”