National Two South

Lydney 22

Shelford 17

COACH Duncan Bell tore into his players at half-time for trying to play too much rugby in their own half, being too slack around the breakdown and conceding too many penalties.

The verbal pasting had the desired effect because Lydney looked like a different team in the second half – overturning a 17-3 deficit to beat a team who started the day fourth in the league.

Yet again, Danny Trigg was the catalyst. Still unbeaten in a Lydney shirt, Trigg took his points tally to 47 in three matches with a try, a penalty and two conversions.

Hooker Ben Lewis said: "Danny has made a big difference to us, not just with his kicking but with his all-round game. He's solidified the backs division because his game management is so good."

Trigg's arrival is not the only reason for Lydney's new found form. The forwards have gelled as a unit during the past month and coach Bell now has options in all positions.

Lewis added: "The forwards have worked really hard, especially at the breakdown, and it feels like a lot of things have come together.

"We're playing some good rugby and have started doing what we've been asked to do."

It was Shelford who dominated the first half at Regentsholme.

They had a try disallowed for offside following a charged down clearance, but forged ahead with a Steve Smith penalty and a Dane Grey try, converted by Smith.

Trigg kicked a penalty for Lydney, but the hosts conceded too many penalties and prop Adam Ledner was yellow carded for pulling down a maul.

Nigel Conroy was driven over for Shelford's second try, converted by Smith.

The Lydney comeback began with a try from Tony Wicks in the corner.

In the second half the forwards put Shelford under concerted pressure in one particularly boggy corner of the pitch.

The dominance eventually resulted in a try for Trigg. The same player's conversion levelled things up at 17-17.

Lydney finished the game powerfully and fully deserved their victory.

They drove on from an attacking scrum and skipper Matt Taylor emerged with the ball for the late winning score.

This Saturday, high-flying Henley come to Regentsholme and a confident Ben Lewis said: "The way we are playing right now we're looking to beat them."

Lydney: Tony Wicks, Josh Hannam, Josh Innes, Danny Chui, Mike Dodge, Danny Trigg, Jason Graham, Adam Ledner (Duncan Bell 70), Ben Lewis (Jake Fields 70), Sam Winchcombe, Charlie Daniell (Jim McMahon 59), Dave Bennett, Tim Longton (Duncan Bell 31-36), Will Jones, Matt Taylor (capt). Reps not used: Ben Taylor, Curtis Russell.