LYDNEY took to the field against Regional One South West leaders Exmouth thanks to a Herculean effort by volunteers following the Storm Bert floods, writes Roger Pike.

Thanks to good drainage the Regentsholme pitch was clear by Wednesday and during the week the clubhouse was cleaned, boilers repaired and electricity restored.

Having lost just one game all season the table toppers would make it a challenging afternoon for the home side and so it proved with the visitors taking their chances to manage out a 27-32 win.

Playing down the slope, Exmouth dominated the opening encounters against a stern defence.

Following a penalty the visitors kicked to the corner, winning the line the huge pack drove over for Charlie Gibbings to score – the heavy conditions making defence virtually impossible. The hosts responded with some good possession and good breaks from Ty Lewis and Ben Large in particular.

Following excellent work from Scriven, Henry Sleeman was stopped just short, but recycled ball saw Louis Jayne get a score out wide. Jake Hanley continued his excellent form to add the extras for 7 – 5.

Winning a penalty on halfway Hanley kicked for 10-5.

Lydney did not deal with the restart and Lewis Geran scored, Meadows adding the conversion for 10 -12.

A good Lydney attack saw a pass intercepted for Fin Marks to run the length of the pitch unchallenged with the conversion for 10-19.

An exchange of penalty kicks saw a score of 13–22 at the break.

Lydney started the second period strongly with some good drives from Knox and the very impressive Hanslow.

They looked like adding to their score but lost the ball and Exmouth were again clinical with Nick Headly scoring for 13–27.

With Broady injured Drew Roberts came on for his first game this season at scrum half and did well in an unfamiliar position.

Winning a line out, Lydney drove for the line and a solid defence was breeched when James Bayliss crossed, again Hanley was on target 20–27.

Mullis and Baker came on making a good impact to keep the intensity of play. Hanslow and Hudson were taking some good line-out ball to secure possession, with Hanslow taking some good visitors ball.

The hosts then suffered a yellow card after Harrison tried to intercept a pass.

With a scrum on the 5m line given the conditions the visitors were able to drive over for 20 -32 and the home side were now chasing a score to get something from the game.

Some impressive performances from the returning Kyle Frowen, Hanslow, Hudson and Scriven in the forwards kept them going.

Taking a few quick tap penalties in injury time Jack Knox crossed out wide, Hanley added the extras to end the match 27 -32.

Director of Rugby Sam Arnott said: “Firstly, a huge thank you from the players and staff to all the volunteers and local business who have put in an exceptional effort to get the game on.

“The team showed a superb attitude and put in a good display dominating a large part, however the game was decided by a couple of soft scores we gave.

“We still have injured players plus players having to play with injuries or out of position so to perform this well is a real positive.”