Cinderford United secured a fine victory on the road away to Blackheath. Conditions were poor and the Rectory Field soon became a swamp and despite their being little to choose between the sides a committed, energetic and passionate United side prevailed. Having been awarded a 20-0 victory by the Zoo League, following Worthing’s second no show of the season, the previous week, this is now the United’s fourth league victory in a row and of 2015.
Blackheath had first use of a dominant wind and stunned the United within ten minutes as an excellent three-quarter move led to a score close to the posts for their left wing. The conversion was successful and the United had to repel several subsequent Blackheath assaults. They did so with great courage and a relieving kick by United fly half Tom Law was chased with great vigour by the United back three and a turnover was achieved. Two fine passes by the outstanding Danny Pointon and Law found centre Rob Winchle, playing his first game since the opening Saturday of September following knee surgery, who hit a wonderful running line and romped home from half way for a spectacular score against the wind. Pointon levelled the scores with the conversion and the United entered the second quarter level. Both sides had chances to take the lead before the break but great defence by both sides prevented any such score.
The second half was a war of attrition as both sides showed continued commitment. Blackheath re took the lead with a penalty goal as they took the game to their visitors. However, the United scrum became increasingly dominant with their front row of Joe Smart, Michael Davies and Elliot Booley unrelenting in their pummeling of their London hosts. This proved to be the decisive difference between two well matched sides and as the United ground away Pointon rewarded their endeavours with two precisely struck penalty goals. Blackheath had one last chance to win it with a last scrummage put in, inside the United half, but were simply blown away by the United forwards who marched their hosts pack backwards at alarming speed for the crucial turnover and the sweet sound of the final whistle.
Cinderford United; Nathan Green (Ollie Whiting), Liam Littleton, Alan Bryan (Captain), Rob Winchle, Harrison Yorke, Tom Law (Will Hodgetts), Danny Pointon, Joe Smart, Mike Davies (Liam Hindmarch), Elliot Booley, Sam Morse (Toby Farrier), Milo Reynolds, Chris Morse (Sam Morse), Will Hodgetts (Matt Allcock), Jack Shields.