CINDERFORD surrendered a narrow half-time advantage as Barnstaple produced a clinical second-half display to secure a 34-22 victory in National League 2 West.

The Forest side travelled to Pottington Road hoping to build momentum but were left frustrated after conceding four second-half tries, despite claiming a bonus point through their own attacking efforts.

Director of rugby Clive Stuart-Smith described the defeat as a missed opportunity after his side failed to maintain the standards which had helped establish a 12-10 interval lead.

Cinderford made an encouraging opening, with centre Kyle Harris crossing for the game's first try after eight minutes.

However, Barnstaple responded through full-back Henry Sellick five minutes later, levelling the scores with an unconverted effort.

The visitors regained their advantage in the 21st minute when number eight Reilly Scriven crossed for Cinderford's second try, with Joe Winfield adding the conversion.

Barnstaple remained competitive and reduced the deficit through another unconverted try five minutes later.

Captain Tyler Jerrum, Reeve Brighty and Scriven were among those helping establish a platform for Cinderford, who entered the interval holding a slender two-point advantage.

However, the contest changed dramatically after the restart as Barnstaple began to dominate possession and make their attacking opportunities count.

Number eight Brandon Moore crossed in the 48th minute to put the hosts ahead for the first time before winger Cameron Johnson added another try just four minutes later.

Cinderford attempted to regain control through a series of replacements, introducing Jake Polledri, James Elliott and George Chandler as the visitors searched for fresh impetus.

Nevertheless, Barnstaple continued to exploit gaps in the visiting defence, with hooker Albert Stretch crossing in the 56th minute.

Sellick converted to extend the home side's advantage before scrum-half Stan Kift added another try in the 72nd minute, converted by replacement Benjamin Saunders.

Despite facing a considerable deficit, Cinderford refused to surrender and continued searching for a way back into the contest.

Harris claimed his second try of the afternoon in the 74th minute, providing encouragement for the visitors.

Barnstaple were subsequently reduced to 14 players when centre Ryan Lee received a yellow card with two minutes remaining.

Cinderford capitalised on their numerical advantage when scrum-half Josh Horrobin crossed in the 79th minute, securing their fourth try and a bonus point.

However, the attempted conversion was unsuccessful, leaving Barnstaple to celebrate a deserved victory.

Stuart-Smith admitted his side had failed to execute their game plan consistently enough.

He said: "The overriding feeling across the group is one of frustration. We had a clear plan of attack, and while we were rewarded in segments, we just didn't deliver enough of it.

"We had a clear understanding of what Barnstaple were going to do and, ultimately, they executed their game far better than we did.

"We will look back on this game as a missed opportunity, but it also shows us that if we don't play the game our way, we will be second best."

Cinderford will now seek greater consistency as they prepare for their next league challenge.