Cinderford hit back to race past Blaydon

CINDERFORD 35 v BLAYDON 30

CINDERFORD overturned an 11-point deficit at half-time to gain a hard-earned win over Blaydon in an entertaining match.

With a strong breeze at their backs, Newcastle outside-half Rory Clegg was Blaydon’s inspiration as his side scored four first-half tries to earn themselves a vital bonus point in their fight against relegation.

It was Cinderford who scored first, though, when winger Jaike Carter touched down for a try which Dan Trigg converted after just five minutes.

Blaydon hit back immediately when Brenden Daniel raced in for an unconverted try.

Clegg kicked a penalty to put Blaydon ahead, but Cinderford centre Dave Knight brushed aside some weak tackling to score his side’s second try, again converted by Trigg.

Another penalty from Clegg was followed by the simplest of tries from visiting flanker Ross Batty and then centre Patrick Dias went over, with Clegg converting both tries as Blaydon took the initiative.

A second try from Carter put Cinderford back in contention, but just before half-time James Clark went over for a try in a corner to give the visitors a 30-19 lead at the interval.

Defences dominated in the early stages of the second half before Trigg kicked a penalty after 50 minutes.

The introduction of England Under-20 player Freddie Burns at outside-half for Cinderford proved decisive, with his electrifying break putting flanker Adam Nicholls clear for a try near the posts and Trigg adding the conversion.

Cinderford were in the ascendancy in the closing stages, with Burns continuing to cause problems for the Blaydon defence.

Trigg was on target with two further penalties to edge Cinderford ahead and they held on for what had appeared to be an unlikely victory at half-time.

Article courtesy of www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk