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An inspired second-half performance from Cinderford earned them a bonus-point victory over Blackheath, who had led 19-15 at the interval.

Home scrum-half Sam Arnott scored an early try following a lineout catch and drive from the 22m line, with Mark Davies landing the conversion. Blackheath responded with two identically fashioned rolling maul tries from lineout drives, both scored by flanker Dave Allen. Ollie Groves was on target with one of the conversions.

Davies then kicked a penalty for Cinderford, but from another forward drive to the line Blackheath centre Richard Windsor crossed for a try, which Groves converted to make it 19-10 to the visitors after 27 minutes. With five minutes of the half remaining the home side went over from yet another catch and drive with hooker Tom Bozzard claiming the try, which went unconverted.

The second-half began in similar fashion, with Bozzard going over for his second try to put Cinderford back in front, and it was to be a lead they never surrendered.

With the match opening up Cinderford had to defend their line, but they did so effectively, and then gradually moved up field. A kick ahead, chase and terrific tackle by Mike Wilcox saw the ball go loose and Rob Winchle gathered up and sprinted clear to score the bonus point try, which Davies converted.

Blackheath threw everything at Cinderford in the closing stages but once again the home side were well up to the task and with just a couple of minutes remaining second-row Ben West went over for his sides’ fifth try in the corner, which Davies converted to complete the scoring.

Star Man:- Mark Davies