Lydney U-16 22-24 Ystradgynlais U-16

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LYDNEY’S under-16 side were edged out by a strong Ystradgynlais side but there were local winners in this charity game.

The game at Lydney RFC’s Regentsholme ground was hopefully the first in an annual Christmas charity match – and brought vital supplies for the Forest Foodbank.

In an innovative move, spectators were asked to bring a tin to get in, resulting in 225kgs of food and £385 for the Foodbank.

The game kicked off 15 minutes late as the visitors from Swansea were delayed by traffic problems on the M4.

Nearly all the Ystradgynlais players are part of the academy at The Ospreys, the west Wales pro region.

Despite the visitors’ strength, it was Lydney who were first on the board with Reilly Scriven scoring a try within three minutes.

There were two outstanding defensive displays but Ystrad took advantage of the few errors to add points.

Lydney’s backs were impressive with Will Green finishing off a well-worked move while Mat Allen made lovely runs and took some big hits.

On-form Zac Peacey won many scrums against the head which allowed Evan Jones to feed the backs.

Jack Knox got a try for his efforts as he and Scriven relentlessly tested the visiting defence.

As the final whistle approached, Ystrad were nervously defending a lead and in the last seconds Sam Stenner went over for a try but it was not enough to close the gap and the game finished 22-24 in favour of Ystradgynlais.

The evening was rounded off with presentations to Ystradgynlais and members of the Foodbank.