Sat 16 Dec 2023
The CABs made the long trip up to the Forest of Dean in buoyant mood after an impressive nine-try thrashing of bottom side Weston-super-Mare a week earlier, and for the first time this season named an unchanged matchday 18. They also travelled knowing full well that Lydney had an unbeaten home record and that the Regentsholme crowd would be large and well stocked as it was their first Christmas home game for several seasons.
However they found themselves behind after five minutes (5-0) and were struggling to deal with the sharp and abrasive Lydney breakdown skillset. Time and again, the CABs support either found themselves second to the breakdown or not making any impression on the Lydney ball. The other area causing issues was the CABs lineout, with the Lydney defence putting huge pressure and also winning their own ball seemingly unchallenged. The only area the CABs were on top, was scrum with Ethan Pearce Cowley in particular causing all sorts of issues.
The CABs soon responded and were awarded a penalty which winger Dan Pearce converted from the 22 (5-3). For the bulk of the remaining first half game remained even (mainly down to the CABs defence) but Lydney were dominating the territory thanks to some good tactical kicking from Brad Barnes keeping the visitors penned in their own half, using the breeze and also the narrow defence that the CABs were having to implement. From this tactical mindset a catch and drive saw the Lydney extend their lead to 10-3. Lydney continued to press this strategy and another forward drive ended with the Lydney hooker crossing the whitewash. Barnes converted from out wide to extend the lead to 17-3.
The key for the remainder of the half was not to concede again and really have the game taken away from them and in fact, the CABs created a good handling move into the Lydney half but a solid defence set halted the attack and the half ended 17-3. The main focus of half-time was that despite the limp showing, in the half, the CABs were not out of it. A focus to keep the lineout simple and take what was on offer, be more assertive at the breakdown and force the pace to see what Lydney would be like if the score closed (albeit through tries or penalties). It was clear that the discussion had the desired effect as their scrum continued to cause the hosts concerns and a yellow card ensued and soon after, the ball was spun out wide for outside-centre Ben Bryant to cross, following a smart kick through by Ollie Bebbington. Pearce converted to make it 17-10 and get the CABs back within a converted try. It was now a case of whether the CABs could follow this up with any score and see what the Lydney mettle was like. However, Lydney hit back immediately with some good pick up and drive play, eventually the Lydeny 10 caught the visitors defence napping and scored unopposed, converting his try the score extended to 24-10.
Matters got even worse for the CABs with November Player of the Month, Mitch Hawken, departing the field with a dislocated elbow and a couple more score stretched the home side lead. A later consolation by Lloyd Duke, off a typical threatening run by Cam Fogden. So, the CABs ended the game with a 38-15 loss and only one win in their last four games. However, contextually it is not the end of the world (two away defeats against unbeaten home teams and one against a resurgent Brixham) means the CABs end the calendar year in 5th spot - a world away from previous seasons and scrabbling around at the bottom. The CABs can also look back fondly on a decent 2023 with the super memory of a Papa John Final, held at the Worcester Warriors ground.
We'd like to thank everyone who has contributed to such an enjoyable 2023; the committee and sponsors; the wonderful Polson crowd and final mention to all the players families who have put up with all the times when they've had to come 'second' to training or playing - it is very much appreciated
Coach Ian Goldsmith
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