Cinderford upset the National League One form book with a tremendous bonus point victory at second placed Blaydon. Trailing 25-13 mid-way through the second-half the Foresters looked to be heading for another defeat on the road, but the final quarter saw them produce some of their best rugby of the season away from home to completely turn the match around.
Nev Codlin scored an early try for Cinderford, which Mark Davies converted. Blaydon’s Andy Baggett and Davies then exchanged penalties before the home side scored two tries in quick succession through Rob Bell and Tom Banks, both of which were converted by Baggett. Davies replied with his second penalty, but Jason Smithson scored a third try for the home side just before half-time.
Baggett’s landed his second penalty to increase his side’s lead in the early stages of the second-half before Cinderford began their fight back. Rob Langley forced his way over following a series of pick and drives near their opponents line and this was quickly followed by a second try for Codlin. Davies converted both scores and Cinderford were suddenly 27-25 ahead.
In the closing stages of the match Mike Wilcox crossed for the visitor’s bonus point try, which was again converted by the immaculate Davies. Bell scored his second try for Blaydon in an extended period of injury time which Baggett converted, but Cinderford had done enough to claim an impressive victory.
CINDERFORD: M.Wilcox, N.Codlin, J.Adams, K.Done, L.Stapleton, M.Davies, D.Pointon, C.Bundy, T.Bozzard, N.Selway, B.West, E.King ,R.Langley, W.Foden,(L.Allen 60), G.Evans . Replacements; T.Heard, J.Smart, D.Scourfield, J.Garner.