The Lydney and Aylburton Rugby Football Club was formed at a meeting was organized by Mr F A Fream on Thursday 11 October 1888,[1] after members of the Lydney and Aylburton Cricket Club had expressed an interest in playing a "winter" game, which was already played by a number of clubs in the area. The first game was played at Lydney on 22 November 1888 against Coleford who won by 3 tries and 1 conversion to nil. The club was originally nicknamed "the Tinplaters",[1] but later were more widely known as the Severnsiders.
Results
The club enjoyed several successful runs in the John Player Cup during the 1980s, including a match against Sale, then the top club side in England, on 23 January 1983. The match was televised on the BBC's Rugby Special, with Lydney narrowly losing 9 – 16.[2]
From the early days Lydney had produced a steady stream of players who achieved County honours. Austin Lewis also had English and Welsh trials in 1904/5 and 1905/6.[3]
No player has achieved senior international honours while playing for the club. However, having begun their careers with Lydney, Bev Dovey, Trevor Wintle,[4]Chris Williams, Peter Kingston and Gordon Sargent won full England caps while playing for other clubs. Robert Sargent represented England Colleges against Wales in 2001. England Women's International Georgia Stevens also played for Lydney.
Career records[5]
Most 1st XV appearances – 571 Winston Morris[6]
Most 1st XV points scored – 1927 John F Morris
Most 1st XV tries scored – 160 Paul Howell
Single season records
Most 1st XV points scored – 418 Adam Westall (2002–03)
Most 1st XV tries scored – 33 David Crabbe (1972–73)
