Cinderford’s long journey to the North-East to play fellow strugglers Blaydon ended in disappointment as they failed to make the most of a plentiful supply of possession and an overall territorial advantage in the match. The home side however were clinical in taking their chances, with an inspired performance from centre Tom Banks proving decisive to the outcome.
The visitors dominated the opening quarter but failed to trouble the scoreboard and Blaydon made them pay when Banks broke away up field, and second-row Keith Laughlin was driven over for a try which Andy Baggett converted. A missed tackle on the half-way line then enabled Banks to make a clear run through to score an unconverted try, and five minutes later Blaydon were 17-0 ahead when No8 Jason Smithson scored from a lineout catch and drive. It was right on the half-time whistle when Cinderford finally opened their account when winger Nev Codlin was put in for a try by Danny Pointon, with Mike Wilcox converting.
Blaydon secured their try scoring bonus point just two minutes after the re-start when Banks won the race to touchdown for his second try in the corner. The remainder of the match was played almost exclusively in the Blaydon half but a combination of some resolute home defence and poor execution of several promising opportunities meant that Cinderford were only able to score once more, when prop Will Davies forced his way over near the posts, with Wilcox adding the extras.
Cinderford RFC
Alex Frame, Nev Codlin , Stef Hawley, Sam Hanks, Chris Hawkins, Mike Wilcox, Danny Pointon, Will Davis , Finlay Sinclair, Elliot Booley, Tom Hicks, Ed King, Joe Garner, George Mills, George Evans.
Replacements all used; Chris Bundy, Tom Bozzard, Marcus Brown, Clive Stuart-Smith, Reece Boughton.