National League One

Blydon 24

THIS was Cinderford's first home defeat of the season but they can have few complaints.

The heavy pitch meant the match developed into a tough and uncompromising battle between the two packs, and it was the men from the north east who out-muscled the home forwards to provide a platform for victory.

Mark Davies kicked an early penalty for the home side, but Blaydon mauled their way towards the home line and prop Rob Kalbraier forced his way over from close range. Andy Baggett added the conversion.

Davies missed a penalty before Baggett was on target to make it 10-3 to the visitors after half-an-hour.

Cinderford were disappointed not to be awarded a try right on the half-time whistle. Second-row Dave McKee was convinced he had scored but the referee ruled he had been held up.

The second half started well for Blaydon when they kicked a penalty into the corner and produced a perfectly executed catch-and-drive move for a try.

Rob Bell claimed the simplest of touchdowns, with Baggett adding the extras.

A well-weighted kick from Mark Davies enabled Nev Codlin to score Cinderford's only try, which Davies converted. The tackle count from both teams was massive with Cinderford skipper Will Foden leading from the front. However, Blaydon ruled the roost in the set pieces and another kick to the corner resulted in a second catch-and-drive try from Bell, again converted by Baggett.

Cinderford kept plugging away with replacement Joe Garner showing up positively, but they made unforced errors at crucial times.

Cinderford director of rugby Andy Deacon was gracious in defeat saying: "Blaydon did the simple things well and deserved to come out on top today.

"We didn't play smart rugby. We kept the ball for long periods but inaccuracy and ill discipline seem to be common traits when we lose."

Cinderford: Mike Wilcox, Nev Codlin, Jack Adams, Rob Winchle, Lloyd Stapleton (Kai Done 62), Mark Davies, Sam Arnott, James Brooks, Tom Bozzard (Nico Woodward 56), Tom Heard (Nick Selway 16), Dave McKee (Ed King 56), Dale Critchley, Luke Allen, Will Foden (capt), George Evans (Joe Garner 56).