Newent kicked off toward Akerman’s Orchard and spent most of the first 10 minutes camped insidethe Lydney 22.
The pressure was relieved somewhat by the heavier Lydney pack but the home side weren’t to be denied and Tom Devries scored a neat try which Henry Howe converted.

Newent maintained the pressure and were rewarded with a penalty but the ball hit a post and stayed out. Lydney came back strongly and, after mauling the ball near the home line, were awarded a penalty try after a Newent infringement which also earned Newent a yellow card.

This seemed to galvanise Lydney and they soon scored another try in the right hand corner by hooker Wilf Doyle-Finch which they failed to convert.

Half time score: Newent Phoenix 7 Pts – Lydney United 12 Pts

Lydney began the second half well and after 10 minutes went further ahead with an unconverted try by Oskar Sipowicz.

Things were starting to look ominous for the home side. However, they managed to steady the ship and after another 10 minutes were awarded a penalty on the Lydney 22 and Howe made no mistake with the three points to keep Newent in the game.

Soon after that, Newent attacked strongly down the left flank with Joe Heron (Victoria Cottage, Symonds Yat Holiday Let) finishing the move with a well taken try in the left hand corner. No conversion.

Lydney came back strongly and appeared to be in for a certain try but a brilliant tackle by Sam Woolley (House Martin Garden Services) saved the day.

The visitors were not to be denied for long however, and after a big scrummage, they scored another try by winger Max Turner, converted from near the touchline by Olly Spender to take the score to 15-24 in Lydney’s favour.

Back came Newent with a move that went from the left, then back down to the right and, after a break by Woolley, Sam Goatley (Richards Home Improvements) took the ball on to score the touchdown. No conversion. 20-24 and everything to play for.

Newent followed up with another try after a flowing move from halfway, scored by Skipper Harry Davies (MHS Tipper Hire) and converted by Howe. This put them back in the lead for the first time since the opening minutes.

Still time for Lydney to come back, but instead Newent were able to close out the game with a penalty by Howe as the whistle went for full time.

Final score: Newent Phoenix 30 Pts – Lydney United 24 Pts

This was a great win by Newent against a strong and physical Lydney side which emphasised the great team, and one club, spirit that has grown over the past couple of seasons. Well done to all involved.