Services stretch their lead at the top after win

DEVONPORT Services have stretched their lead at the top of the South West One table to six points after beating Lydney 38-18.

- CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

Services were five points ahead of chasers Chew Valley going into the rearranged block of fixtures played on Saturday. The North Somerset side dropped a point in their 17-12 win over relegation hopefuls Matson, which was a bonus for Services.

Although Matson officials have asked league officials if the first team can be relegated due to the crippling costs of playing at level five on the league ladder, the players still gave Chew a scare.

Services were originally due to travel to Lydney for the twice-delayed game, but the fixture was switched at short notice due to concerns about the state of the Regentsholme playing surface.

“Lydney were due to come to us on March 23, but we will be going there instead,” said Kieran Leach, the Services’ team manager.

“Having had two cancelled trips up to Lydney – and two bills from the coach company as we got the call so late – common sense prevailed this time when they warned us about the pitch.”