National League Three South West

Lydney 29,

Ivybridge travelled to Lydney today for their latest match.

With two of their main props missing and shortages in both the second row and backs, Ivybridge knew they would have to play well to earn any points.

The game started well for Ivy, with sustained pressure earning a penalty which was quickly converted by Bill Pinkus.

Player-coach Lewis Paterson then crossed the line in the 16th minute and Billy knocked over the extra two. Ivybridge, having secured a healthy lead, then gave away a number of midfield penalties.

Lydney took full advantage of the Bridge’s ill-discipline by kicking for the corner and scoring from the rolling maul set up neatly off their line-out throw.

This theme was re­peated twice more to leave Ivy trailing 17-10 at half time.

Shortly in to the second half Lydney again capitalised on Ivy mistakes, scoring from yet another line-out deep in the Ivy half.

Pinkus made it 22-13 shortly after by converting a well-won penalty.

Mitch Pinkus crossed the line four minutes later but brother Billy was unable to convert the extra two points.

Ivy were pressing hard now but it was a full 20 minutes before the spectators saw another score. Unfor­tunately it went to Lyd­ney, who now led 29-18.

Desperate for a losing bonus point, Ivy charged ahead and were rewarded with a pushover try from a scrum by player-coach Jamie Tripcony.

All in all a tough day at the office for the Ivybridge lads, but again it was nice to see the coaches blooding yet another colt in Marcus Prout, who certainly held his own in his first senior game.