LYDNEY’S difficult start to the new league season continued as Trowbridge ran out convincing 38-10 winners despite the hosts enjoying plenty of scrum dominance, writes Roger Pike.

After a promising performance in defeat the previous week, Lydney were hoping to make progress and claim their first league win. Director of Rugby Paul Morris made one change, with Nick Selway starting in the front row, while Rowan Mullis moved to hooker and Jack Knox switched to the back row.

However, Trowbridge, fresh from beating Launceston, took control for prolonged periods and proved clinical whenever opportunities came their way.

The visitors dominated the opening stages playing down the slope and were soon rewarded. A slick backs move created space for full-back Jack Conner to make the extra man and score out wide, with Alex Christopher converting for 7-0.

Lydney responded through their powerful pack, winning numerous scrum penalties. Reece Boughton kicked one to the corner and, following a good Jack Cuthbert catch, the hosts drove towards the line before Selway crossed to reduce the deficit to 7-5.

The game remained evenly contested until George Gladding was shown a yellow card. Trowbridge immediately capitalised, kicking a penalty to the corner before winning the lineout and driving over for a converted try.

Lydney almost responded before half-time when another scrum penalty was quickly tapped. Mullis was stopped short before drives from Cuthbert, Morgan French and Knox were eventually held up.

The hosts began the second half strongly, with their scrum again in command, but they were unable to turn possession into points.

French and Cuthbert impressed among the forwards, while Jesse Ribeiro and Gladding worked hard in midfield. Boughton also produced some useful kicks for territory, but Trowbridge’s defence remained solid.

The visitors scored from virtually their first meaningful attack of the half, crossing beneath the posts and converting to extend their advantage to 21-5.

Lydney’s task then became considerably harder when Joe Hamlin was shown a red card for dangerous play, although the decision appeared harsh.

Trowbridge made full use of their numerical advantage, adding another converted try before stretching Lydney’s 14-man defence from side to side and crossing again to make it 35-5.

The hosts continued battling and were rewarded when Gladding broke through to cross the whitewash for Lydney’s second try.

Trowbridge had the final say, however, as Christopher kicked a late penalty to complete the scoring at 38-10.

The result leaves Lydney without a win after two games, although both opponents are expected to challenge towards the top of the division.

Morris said Trowbridge had deserved their victory and admitted Lydney had failed to make enough of their scrum dominance.

He added that his new-look squad must regroup quickly ahead of another difficult test when they travel to Devon to face Sidmouth next Saturday.

Despite the result, there were encouraging signs from the new-look side, particularly at scrum time, where Lydney consistently caused problems. Morris will hope that dominance can be turned into points as the squad continues to settle.