Lydney 3, Somerset Gryphons 2
LYDNEY Hockey Club's fight to regain top status in the West of England is on hold for now. Saturday's victory put them in the top half of a highly competitive league but they are unlikely to challenge the top teams.
"We had hoped to bounce straight back up but I think that is now just beyond us," said club official Tom Cotterell.
However he is optimistic the emergence of a string of enterprising young players will put Lydney in the driving seat and that next season the club will challenge strongly for a place among the top teams.
Hockey, says Cotterell, has played a big part in Lydney's sporting history.
"The club has always punched above its weight. For a town of less than 10,000 people we have a great record," he says.
Hockey is certainly thriving with two senior teams and a youth side plus juniors, some as young as 10. There are two ladies teams and they also boast development sides. The highly experienced Martin Saunders put Lydney on the road to victory on Saturday. Top scorer this season with 30 to his name already, Saunders scored from open play.
Luke Turner repeated the treatment as Lydney opened up a two goal advantage and it was Turner who netted number three.
The victory put Lydney in the top half of the table and safe from an end of season relegation battle but also short of the promotion race. They face a tough challenge this Saturday, away to Cheltenham.