CINDERFORD skipper Chris Hall was still aching on Monday morning following his side's tough win at Blaydon two days before.
"Those northerners are made of steel," said the former Worcester hooker.
"Blaydon are a big, well organised side who always play well at home, but we'd done some work on them," said Hall.
"A lot of credit for that must go to Lee Fortey and Dave Pointon. We've stepped up the analysis and it's making a difference.
"It's a hell of a result for us and bare in mind that Danny Trigg missed three or four kicks.
"We defended really well and made loads of tackles."
Dave Knight donned a Santa suit after the game as Cinderford held a belated Christmas party on the long journey home. They returned in the county around 11.30pm.
Knight scored the winning try and Hall saluted the difference he has made to the team since his comeback.
"Dave's defending is superb and he helps the guys around him.
"A lot of people forget that we've got a really young team with the likes of Chris Jones, Chris Bundy, Ed King, George Evans, Sam Brown and Dave McKee all in their early 20s.
"It was also nice to see Deacs with a big smile on his face and his cans of beer down the front of the bus, joining in the sing song. He's been under pressure.
"We've got two home games now, starting with Wharfedale this week, and I'm confident we can keep things going. We beat them away, so we want the double.
"The way we're playing, I'm confident we won't go down."