National League One

Wharfedale 15

THE hosts continued their march up the league table with a five-try bonus point victory over a hard working Wharfedale side in the Dockham Road sunshine.

Cinderford opened the scoring on 20 minutes when some excellent handling put winger Lloyd Stapleton away for his 12th try of the season. Rory Teague converted.

Wharfedale levelled the scores when they intercepted a pass deep in their own 22 and attacked with a sweeping move that eventually led to James Tincknell crossing the whitewash. Tom Davidson added the conversion.

There were no further scores before half-time but Cinderford lost captain Adam Nicholls to injury in the 34th minute. Jake Kitson came off the bench to replace him.

The visitors started the second half strongly and forged ahead when second-row Richard Brown was driven over from close range.

The hosts quickly hit back, with Teague sending Nevaro Codlin away down the blindside. He just managed to get the ball down in the corner.

Wharfedale's Tom Barrett dropped a goal to regain the lead for his team but Cinderford finished strongly to take a firm grip on the game.

The energetic Stapleton gathered up a loose ball and sped in for his second try, then Codlin, on the other wing, collected a clever pass from a penalty in front of the posts to claim his second try of the afternoon.

Teague converted both touchdowns.

Wharfedale captain Rob Baldwin was shown a yellow card for holding back a Cinderford player and the home side took full advantage of the extra man with a powerful line-out catch-and-drive.

Lloyd Stapleton became involved in the maul to the line and seized his chance to complete his hat-trick.

Wharfedale never gave up, but Cinderford comfortably saw the game out with another impressive defensive display.

Having won six out of their last seven, no one will relish coming to the Forest in the final months of the season.

Cinderford: Mike Wilcox (Danny Trigg 74), Nev Codlin (Kai Done 74), Simeon James, Rob Winchle, Lloyd Stapleton, Rory Teague, Danny Pointon, Joe Smart (James Brooks 71), Sam Wilkes (Tom Bozzard 74), Chris Bundy, Ben West, Ed King, Adam Nicholls (capt, Jake Kitson 34), Will Foden, George Evans.