HAVING slipped to mid-table and without a win in 2023 it was important the Severnsiders got their season back on track, writes Roger Pike.

With a much improved performance they did not disappoint and ran out deserved winners with a workman like performance Lydney welcomed a new signing – hooker Jarred Searle – Kieran Griffiths making his home debut at outside half and Joe Hamlin returning at centre after a lengthy spell injured.

The young squad is still struggling with injuries,

Jordan Fowke however was back in the back row and the evergreen Sam Arnott made up the bench with Searle and Downer.

The Severnsiders were clearly fired up and on their game from the start dominating possession and territory. However, the visitors from Devon are a good side and their defence held solid in the tough opening encounters.

Lydney continued to press and a good set of forward drives saw the ball spun out to winger Brad Dunn who made huge inroads into the Ivybridge half.

In the tackle he off-loaded to Joe McClean who ran in unchallenged to open the scoring at 5-0.

The Severnsiders were soon back on the attack, with another good move in the backs – winger Sami Hamid broke through and a superb inside pass to Henry Sleeman allowed him to run in under the posts.

Hamid took over the kicking duties and extended the lead to 12-0.

With 20 minutes gone, Lydney still dominated the territory and only a knock on stopped Joe McClean scoring again.

The try of the game followed with a good attack from Hamid on halfway, the backs recycled the ball which was spun out quickly with slick passing across the forwards through Rob Winter and Jack Spencer who found Dunn to score.

Hamid added the extras and Lydney were 19-0 up.

Ivybridge kept moving the ball at every opportunity and only a Harry Brown turnover stopped a score before half-time as it ended 19-0.

The Severnsiders had to be aware that the visitors often make comebacks and so needed to be on their game in the second half.

While the game remained even, Harry Brown got a yellow card and the visitors started to dominate.

Deep in the Lydney half they tapped a penalty which was moved out wide for centre Kristian Davies to score.

Matt Grieveson added the extras and they were back in the game at 19 -7.

The visitors continued to dominate, and the hosts lost their shape being under major pressure – only a brilliant Phil Williams tackle and turnover prevented another score.

Ivybridge won a penalty which Grieveson knocked over for 19-10 to set up a nervous final 15 minutes.

Lydney brought on Arnott and Downer to try and steady things but also chase another try to get the full five points.

Lydney got a good attack going and won a penalty on the 22m line, opting to kick Hamid extended the lead to 22-10 and leave the visitors needing two scores.

The game remained tight with the visitors still battering away to get something from the game.

In the dying minutes both sides received yellow cards however the Lydney defence held firm with big tackles from Brown, Griffiths and Williams driving the visitors back and the match ended 22-10.

Director of Rugby Sam Arnott said: “We needed to put things right today after a few disappointing performances by our standards.

“Really pleased with our first half performance, totally dominated to get 19 unanswered points.

“However we did stress at half-time they would be dangerous.

“I thought we relaxed a bit and dropped our intensity to let them back into the game.

“However, we recovered and managed out the game with some excellent defence.

“(On Saturday) we are back at Regentsholme to face Brixham who will be another tough opponent.”

Lydney: Gareth Winter, Rob White, Jack Spencer(c), Mike Massey, Phil Williams, Joe McClean, Jordan Fowke, Harry Brown, Tom Broady, Kieran Griffiths, Sami Hamid, Joe Hamlin, Henry Sleeman, Brad Dunn, Alex Nelmes. Replacements Jarred Searle, Liam Downer, Sam Arnott.