National Two South

Lydney 15

Henley 25

EVERYONE in the Lydney squad knows how crucial this Saturday's home clash with relegation rivals Taunton is, according to Chris Holder.

The centre – who scored one of Lydney's two tries against Henley – says coach Duncan Bell has been targeting victory over Taunton for weeks.

"The importance of the match is certainly not lost on us," said Holder.

"I thought we gave a good account of ourselves against a top side like Henley, it was a much improved performance.

"We've generally played quite well against the top sides, but we need to raise our game against teams down the bottom.

"We haven't always come out of the blocks quickly enough. Sometimes, we've retreated into our shells."

There were certainly positives to be taken from Saturday's loss to the title favourites.

Danny Trigg and Henley's Will Robinson traded penalties, before a Jonah Holmes break allowed Henley's Xavier Andre an open run to the line. Robinson converted.

Robinson kicked a 25th minute penalty, then the same player touched down four minutes before the break to give his side a telling 18-3 advantage in heavy conditions.

Yet again, Lydney got better in the second half.

However, the visitors went further in front when they were awarded a penalty-try. They pushed a scrum over the Lydney line and were only denied by a stray boot.

Lydney responded in the right fashion by mauling their way over in the corner from close range. Ben Taylor touched the ball down, with Danny Trigg kicking a fine conversion.

Three minutes from the end, Bennett's kick behind the defence was gathered by Holder, who touched down.

A minute from the end Ben Taylor was yellow carded for a tip tackle.

Holder added: "We camped in their half for quite a long spell but Henley were clinical, when they had chances they took them. That's the sign of a good side."

Paul Price captained Lydney on Saturday in the absence of the injured Matt Taylor.

Taylor, however, expects to be fit for this week's big game.

Lydney: Tony Wicks, Josh Hannam, Chris Holder, Josh Innes, Alex Hall (Danny Chiu 41), Danny Trigg, Jason Graham (Matt Williams 62), Paul Price (capt, Leigh Green 52), Ben Lewis, Sam Winchcombe (Olly Day 41), Sam Thomson, Dave Bennett, Tim Longton, Will Jones (Ben Taylor 54), Charlie Daniell.