Lydney II XV v Old Elizabethans 1st XV

3rd February 2023

A second trip into the Forest of Dean in six days saw a dozen or more old boys/travelling supporters journey to Lydney to hopefully witness a good result for OEs. This was the rearranged fixture under floodlights vs Lydney II. A crowd of over 150 created a really good atmosphere to welcome the two teams onto the pitch for a 7:30 kick-off.

1st XV SQUAD: Tom Brewer, Matt Bailey, Jack Houlder, Adam Skyner, Rob Lee, Henry Kirkpatrick, George Burnie (Capt), Rhys Edwards, Matty Brewer, Dom Swann, Tobias Burden, Pat Dore, Luke Jagger, Gilbert Blocksidge, Matt Carr, Greg Foord, Ned Sweeney, Andy Adams

MATCH REPORT: Es started strongly for a change and within minutes found themselves up after having been awarded a penalty and quick thinking saw second row Adam Skyner bundle his way over for the opening try with Luke Jagger adding the two extra points. (0-7).

The half back combination of Matty Brewer and Dom Swann had started their pairing really well with Swann receiving some really good deliveries throughout the match. Es' supporters were then treated to a brilliant break through the middle by Pat Dore but with only the full back to beat strangely chose to chip the ball but the bounce eluded what was an otherwise certain score!

Luke Jagger had settled into the game well and was quickly testing the home team's defence with a couple of good breaks matched by two good try saving tackles by Lydney. There were clear signs that this was not the Lydney team that we had all expected, they were up for it and were competing well across the pitch and after Es had been marched back 10m for verbals at a penalty Lydney deservedly struck with a penalty kick (3-7).

Lydney were testing the Es' defence with some good carries, but spurred on by Fly Half Dom Swann (rolling back the years) and Matty Carr Es managed to kick their way out of trouble. A good break down the left wing unfortunately ended with Tobias Burden injured with a Hamstring pull and was replaced by none other than Ned Sweeney albeit in this unaccustomed position! Es found themselves 10m out with a lineout gathered by Rhys Edwards. The Es' rolling maul trundled towards the try line but with the ball in hand skipper George Burnie dived over the line for a non-score. Gilbert Blocksidge was looking comfortable on the wing and was testing his opposite man with a couple of chances that just got away. A further kick to the corner and lineout once again saw Es trundle to the try line, this time though, Jack Houlder made no mistake and went over for a good try not converted (3-12).

The last key action of the first half saw a cross field kick almost gathered by centre Pat Dore but after a chip the ball was spilt. As the Lydney team disappeared down the tunnel for half time one couldn't help thinking that Es were not getting this all their own way!

Half Time score (3-12)

Shortly into the second half a Lydney player was Yellow carded for deliberately tripping an Es' player trying to take a quick penalty. Es punished them immediately as Dom Swann's kick saw Es' Forwards drive towards the line from a good 10m lineout and Matt Bailey went over for Es' third try, not converted (3-17).

A good move involving Henry Kirkpatrick, Matt Bailey and George Burnie looked promising but once again the move broke down with nothing to show for it. Greg Foord was on and Henry Kirkpatrick temporarily rested. Again, Lydney advanced into Es' territory but a good steal by Rhys Edwards then saw a great run out of defence by Dom Swann and Jack Houlder. Es built once again and a smart move through the hands saw Luke Jagger burst through the Lydney defence for a good personal (bonus point) try + conversion (3-24).

Another promising move involving Pat Dore, Matt Carr and Gilbert Blocksidge again came to nothing but this was a good spell for Es and following another lineout on 5m line the ball was dispatched to the threequarters and Pat Dore once again broke the defensive line to score Es' 5th of the night, converted by Luke Jagger (3-31).

Lydney continued to show good spirit and enterprise and from their own 5m lineout they spread the ball and quite easily, or so it seemed, broke the E's Blue Wall to give themselves a converted try (10-31).

A huge roar went up as Andy Adams joined the game for his debut at prop where he finished the game with a nice forehead cut to show for his efforts! The final score from Es came from a break that involved Es' half-backs running virtually the whole length of the pitch for a Matty Brewer touchdown and a brilliant Jagger Conversion from the touchline (10-38).

Lydney finished strongly and once again seemed to break the Es' defensive line fairly easily for a further 5 points, not converted and the game finished with a good but not resounding victory for Es as many expected would happen (15-38).

Fair play to Lydney for making it a good competitive game.

Next weekend (Sat 11 Feb) Es entertain Berry Hill (who had a good result yesterday against Bristol Saracens) at Fortress Hallen, make sure you are there!!

FINAL SCORE: Lydney II XV 15 – 38 Old Elizabethans

SCORERS:
Tries: Adam Skyner, Jack Houlder, Matt Bailey, Luke Jagger, Pat Dore, Matty Brewer
Conversions: Luke Jagger (4)

Man of the Match: Pat Dore - a constant threat for the opposition defence with his strong and straight running.

Full Table and Fixture List below

Report by: Paul “Blakey” Barrington