Cinderford’s long journey to the North-East to play Tynedale proved to be a disappointing one as they surrendered their unbeaten record. However a late rally did see them secure an unlikely looking two bonus points.
Playing into a strong wind the visitors soon opened the scoring when Ben West dived over for an unconverted try. Tynedale replied with a try from Alan Rogers, but when some terrific handling created the opportunity for winger Lloyd Stapleton to score in the corner Cinderford appeared to be well set.
Back came the home side however and aided by some very sloppy play from their opponents they scored three tries through Jack Harrison, Peter Moralee and Sam Reynolds, all of which were converted by George Cullen to build up a healthy 26-10 lead at the interval.
With conditions now in Cinderford’s favour Mark Davies kicked a penalty to reduce the deficit ten minutes into the second-half, but they continued to turnover ball in contact and miss far too many tackles. Tynedale took advantage of this to score two further tries through Peter Cole and a second from Moralee and the game looked secure at 36-13 with ten minutes remaining.
When centre Rob Winchle touched down it looked no more than a consolation score for Cinderford, but with the home side tiring badly in the closing stages they scored two more tries through Sam Arnott and George Evans, which Mike Wilcox converted to earn two points.
Cinderford; Wilcox, Codlin, Adams, Winchle, Stapleton, Davies, Arnott, Brooks, Bozzard, Selway, West, King, Garner, Foden (Capt.), Evans.
Repls; Smart, Bailey, Caven, Hawley, McKee.