Chew Valley entered this crucial home clash against Lydney with renewed confidence following a spirited performance against Marlborough the previous week. The return of key players, including Dean Brooker in an unfamiliar role at number 8 and Joe Cowell to the centre with Taylor Thatcher shifting to the wing, added an air of optimism. Their opponents, Lydney, arrived on the back of a tough run of defeats to league leaders Brixham, Launceston, and Barnstaple, but the Forest of Dean side proved to be far from demoralized.

Playing downhill in the first half, Chew hoped to establish an early advantage. However, the match turned out to be a microcosm of their season so far—indiscipline, a faltering line-out, and costly mistakes at crucial moments repeatedly halted their momentum. Lydney’s metronomic kicker compounded Chew’s frustrations, punishing every error with unerring accuracy.

The opening ten minutes set the tone, as two penalties from Lydney’s kicker were answered by a single three-pointer from Chappers for Chew, giving the visitors an early 6-3 lead. What followed was a fractious period of play, with both sides receiving two yellow cards apiece—Alex Monk and Marcus Brooker making the walk to the sin bin for Chew Valley.

Despite flashes of attacking intent, Chew’s errors in execution kept them on the back foot. Heading into injury time in the first half, they trailed 12-6, courtesy of four penalties to two in favor of Lydney. Chew came agonizingly close to breaking through when a driving maul powered towards the line, only for an infringement at the line-out to undo their hard work. To make matters worse, Lydney capitalized on their opportunity moments later, two further penalties giving them an easy out from their own half and this was compounded by a try before half-time to stretch their lead to 19-6.

The second half began with more frustration for the hosts as another penalty for Lydney extended the gap to 22-6. But Chew Valley showed remarkable resilience, clawing their way back into contention. Marcus Brooker, back from the sin bin, scored two powerful tries, driving through Lydney’s defensive line to reduce the deficit to 20-22.

However, as has been the case throughout the season, Chew’s resurgence was tempered by lapses in discipline. Lydney’s kicker took full advantage, adding two more penalties to restore an eight-point cushion at 28-20, leaving Chew needing to score twice in the final ten minutes.

Hope was rekindled when Chappers produced a moment of brilliance, chipping ahead and regathering to score out of nothing. His conversion brought Chew to within a point at 27-28 as the clock ticked into injury time. But a faltering set piece in the closing moments proved their undoing. Lydney held firm to edge the contest, leaving Chew Valley still searching for their first win of the season.

Man of the Match went to Chappers, whose all-around performance and individual spark kept Chew in the game. Despite the heartbreak, there are positives to take as Chew look to finally translate their efforts into a much-needed victory.

Final Score: Chew Valley 27 - 28 Lydney