Esher 6

LYDNEY'S slim hopes of survival in National League rugby were boosted by this narrow victory over midtable team Esher.

The ball is very much in the Severnsiders' court as they approach the closing stages of the season – they probably need four more wins and other results outside their control to go in their favour.

"Where's there's life there is hope," said chairman Philip Price who watched this nailbiter with as much apprehension as the rest of the Regentsholme faithful.

"It wasn't pretty but it was effective. You have to give the boys their due, they tackle everything that moves and Esher never once looked like scoring a try."

Esher won a huge percentage of second half possession and pegged back Lydney's nine point advantage – courtesy of three Steve Ward penalty goals – with two penalty goals of their own.

Lydney's early composure earned them this win. For the first quarter they looked a very competent side and deserved to build up a half-time advantage. But their pattern of play disintegrated as the game progressed and as Esher upped the pace Lydney's role became totally defensive.

To their credit they put in a huge tackle count and held on for a vital win.