National League One

Birmingham & Solihull 29

CINDERFORD were left to reflect on a hugely disappointing performance at Birmingham's Damson Park ground, which leaves them still searching for their first league victory of the season.

Despite losses in their previous two league encounters against Coventry and Fylde there were plenty of positives to take from those games.

However, Saturday's performance was indisciplined and lethargic and the Foresters were out-scrummaged for the first time this season. Game management skills were also sadly lacking throughout.

Bees outside-half Dan Hawkes was on target with an early drop-goal and he made it 6-0 when Cinderford conceded a penalty in front of their own posts for standing up in the scrum.

Cinderford got back into the game when a perfectly executed backs move allowed winger Nevaro Codlin to race under the posts for a try which Rory Teague converted.

The home side responded with a try of their own – Jon Lowden touching down and Hawkes adding the extras to make it 13-7 to the Bees after 20 minutes play.

More indiscipline from Cinderford allowed Hawkes to extend the lead with his second penalty on the half-hour, but Teague kicked a penalty to cut the deficit at the break to 16-10.

In the second half Cinderford struggled to get any sort of impetus into their game and Hawkes soon landed a third penalty. Another attempt at goal held up in the wind and home second-row Tom Quarrie was on hand to gather up the ball and charge over for a try, which Hawkes converted.

Cinderford briefly responded when one of the few players to emerge with any credit, Nev Codlin, went over for his second try, with Teague adding the conversion.

Bees ended the match firmly on top though, and Hawkes put over another penalty after number eight George Evans was yellow-carded for being offside at a ruck.

Cinderford: Mike Wilcox, Nev Codlin, Simeon James, Rob Winchle, Lloyd Stapleton, Rory Teague, Ben Draper, Paul Price (rep Joe Smart 53mins), Sam Wilkes, Chris Bundy, Ben West, Dave Markham, Luke Allen (capt, rep Dave McKee 53mins), Will Foden, George Evans.

Other Reps: Tom Bozzard, Danny Trigg, Dewi Scourfield.