Sat 21 Feb 2026
Sidmouth RFC suffered a agonizing one-point defeat on Saturday, as a penalty in the dying moments of the match allowed Lydney to escape with a 15-16 victory. In a contest defined by brutal defensive sets and a fierce battle at the breakdown, the "Severnsiders" managed to secure the narrowest of wins despite a spirited late comeback from the home side.
First Half: Lydney Strike Early.
Lydney opened the scoring just four minutes in. After Sidmouth conceded a breakdown penalty on the halfway line, the visitors executed a clinical first-phase strike from the resulting lineout. The ball moved rapidly through the hands to the left wing, who finished well in the corner for an unconverted try. (0-5).
Sidmouth responded by dominating both possession and territory for the next twenty minutes but struggled to break through a resolute Lydney line. A golden opportunity arose when Rabbie Hansford pounced on an overthrown Lydney lineout, charging toward the 22 before being halted by a high tackle. The referee issued a yellow card to the Lydney defender, but Lewis Tose’s subsequent penalty attempt drifted wide.
Lydney extended their lead to 0-8 courtesy of a 45-metre penalty from their fly-half following another breakdown infringement. However, Sidmouth went into the sheds with momentum after Lewis Tose slotted a penalty with the final play of the half. (HT: 3-8).
Second Half: A Rainy Resurrection.
As heavy rain began to fall, Lydney used the slope to their advantage early in the second period. After pinning Sidmouth back, a catch-and-drive move from a 10m lineout was initially held up, but a quick recycle allowed the right wing to cross in the corner. (3-13).
Sidmouth refused to go quietly. They launched wave after wave of attacks, finally breaking the deadlock when Dan Armstrong powered over from a well-executed catch-and-drive. Tose added the extras to bring the hosts within three. (10-13)
The momentum had firmly shifted, and with just five minutes remaining, Nathan Tompkins sparked celebrations in the stands by crossing for a try to give Sidmouth their first lead of the match. Though the conversion was missed, Sidmouth held a narrow two-point cushion. (15-13).
The Final Twist.
In the face of deteriorating conditions and injury time looming, Lydney launched one final assault. A penalty was awarded deep in Sidmouth territory, and Lydney’s Tom Rowe stepped up to the tee. Despite the pressure and the rain, Rowe’s strike was true, reclaiming the lead for the visitors in the final seconds. (FT: 15-16).
Up next, Sidmouth will look to channel their frustration into a big performance next week as they host St Austell at the Blackmore, on Saturday, February 28, Kick-off at 14:30.
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