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

Despite driving rain and high winds brought by Storm Boelo, a large crowd turned out for the Forest derby, with the hosts responding emphatically to their disappointing defeat at Brixham the previous week.

Newent arrived bottom of the table without a victory this season, 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.

Nevertheless, Lydney quickly regained control despite remaining temporarily short-handed.

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

With their full complement restored, Lydney continued to dominate possession and territory, with Morgan French crashing over for another converted try.

The hosts eventually completed the scoring when sustained forward pressure forced the referee to award a penalty try, taking Lydney beyond the 50-point mark.

Even as the weather deteriorated in the closing stages, Lydney remained on the front foot, repeatedly driving into Newent territory and threatening to add further points before the final whistle sounded.

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

Behind the forwards, Hanley and captain Reece Boughton controlled territory through intelligent tactical kicking, keeping Newent under pressure throughout.

Director of Rugby Paul Morris praised his side's response following their previous defeat.

"We needed a reaction after last week and I was delighted with the response," he said.

"We dominated from the start and scored some good tries so to pass 50 points was exceptional given the conditions.

"The pack were superb today. They created the platform that enabled us to control the game to run out deserved winners."

The emphatic victory provided Lydney with a welcome boost ahead of another demanding away fixture, with the side travelling to Devon to face Exmouth next weekend.