A CROP of highly promising young players is helping Lydney's reserve rugby squad to achieve a string of commendable results this season. Latest victims were Bristol team Whitehall.

It was, admitted team manager Stuart Thomas, a scrappy affair.

"After a heavy frost the conditions were very ropey. As late as 2.30pm it was touch and go whether or not the game would go ahead. So a lot of credit goes to Whitehall for agreeing to play," he said.

Thomas's stated aim is to get the best out of young players wishing to force their way into Lydney's senior team. He has, he says, a number in his present squad who are now catching the eye.

"It's always pleasing when you see young players developing. We have a very promising front row with the oldest player just 19, some excellent half-backs and exciting players in the pack and the backs," he says.

"They are a happy squad. They all train well and there is a great atmosphere in the team."

Thomas hopes to keep the squad together for next season. "They are improving by the week. I'm hoping for a few more players to give us strength is depth and to take up the slack when players move on to the First team," he says.

Saturday's game tested all the players but Thomas was impressed by man-of-the-match front-rower Sam Chappell-Davis. The 18 year-old Ross lad has already been of the bench for the First XV and is definitely a player for the future, he says.

Young half-backs Jack O'Connell and Curtis Russell also enjoyed sound games as did full-back Connor Hale.

Try scorers on Saturday were First XV squad member Danny Chew who scored a hat-trick, Tye Lakabuca who forced his way over for two, and fly-half Curtis Russell who scored a fine try and also kicked three conversions.