Cinderford 12 – Blaydon 10

Blaydon’s revival with successive home victories came to a disappointing end when they failed to cope with the conditions and never looked like winning. Bottom of the table Cinderford, who recently parted company with their director of rugby following a string of poor results, managed the gale force wind much the better, especially in the second period when it was their turn to face the elements.

The home side got off to a perfect start when winger Nev Codlin, in his first game since re-joining the club, touched down in the corner after 3 minutes of pressure from the kick-off. For the next 25 minutes Blaydon were penned in their own half, unable to clear over half-way, but gradually broke out.

With the aid of a couple of penalties they worked the touchline and from a line-out in the 22 Jason Smithson was driven over for an equalising try, and at the break it was 5-5.

In theory Blaydon should then have controlled matters from the restart but the opposite occurred with the home side retaining possession for a substantial period, ending with former Blaydon centre Sam Hanks touching down for a try and Neville Sheedy adding the conversion.

Blaydon eventually got their act together and began to lay siege at the other end but time and time again took the wrong option, preferring to batter the line through the forwards and ignore an inviting overlap.

On 70 minutes the strategy finally worked when Smithson broke off from a short scrum to grab his second score. A conversion would have levelled the game but fly-half Brett Connon unluckily saw his effort shave an upright and Cinderford went on to record a win they badly needed.

John Brennan