National League Division Three (South)

A DECENT first-half performance from Lydney was enough to take the wind out of Cinderford's sails at immaculate Regentsholme on Saturday.

The match had been widely tipped as the battle for the Forest rugby crown – Cinderford thirsting for more success after last season's promotion winning run and Lydney seeking to re-establish themselves following the disappointment of relegation.

In the event it was a well contested but low-key clash with Lydney's well organised forwards winning superior set piece possession and scoring two tries without reply.

There were three other try scoring opportunities for the Severnsiders while Cinderford missed one scoring opportunity.

Cinderford coach Dennis Hargreaves was forced to make two late changes and believed they contributed to a hesitant start by his pack. Lydney's Paul Kiely enjoyed a comfortable afternoon in the line-outs taking all his own ball and stealing three from Cinderford.

Combined with a solid display of scrummaging, the Severnsiders controlled the ball for long periods and by half-time the result was virtually sewn up with the home team holding a 17-6 advantage.

Lydney lost influential forward Regan Torua with a shoulder injury and Cinderford introduced some old heads to beef up their pack but the second-half was largely undistinguished, though Cinderford's Dave Arnott produced some darting runs from scrum-half and full-back Mike Hart was lively and constructive.

Both teams will find something to build on here but face difficult away games this Saturday – Lydney at Tabard and Cinderford at Redruth.

For Lydney winger Charlie Vine scored two tries with Julian Hill converting them both and kicking two penalty goals.

Cinderford's Mark Roberts kicked four penalties.