CINDERFORD suffered an opening-day defeat as Clifton produced a powerful second-half comeback to win 48-31 at the Bell Sports & Rugby Park.

The hosts had led 24-12 at half-time after an impressive opening 40 minutes but Clifton took control following the restart to secure victory in an entertaining league opener.

Brad Talbot gave the visitors an early lead with an unconverted try before Cinderford responded through scrum-half Cormac Saint, with Joe Winfield adding the conversion.

A lineout close to the Clifton line then allowed Cinderford to drive forward, with hooker Jacob Perkins touching down.

Former Cinderford player Harry Tovey hit back for Clifton and Tom Quinlan converted to level the scores at 12-12.

Cinderford regained the advantage when Saint crossed for his second try following a kick return, with Winfield again successful from the tee.

Talbot was then shown a yellow card and the hosts made their numerical advantage count. Another successful lineout and driving maul resulted in Perkins scoring his second try to give Cinderford a 24-12 half-time advantage.

However, the contest changed after the restart as Tovey quickly scored his second try.

Pete Carter and Reece Malone followed him over the line, while Quinlan converted both tries and added a penalty as Clifton moved 34-24 ahead.

Cinderford briefly responded through Sam Baker, whose try was converted by Winfield, but Clifton finished strongly.

Zak Hamid and Andy Thomas added further tries, both converted by Quinlan, to complete the 48-31 victory.

Elsewhere, Cinderford United enjoyed a convincing 71-17 pre-season victory over Old Patesians.

Will Day scored four tries and Tom Reynolds grabbed three, while Henry Watts crossed twice. Vinnie Sims and Johnny McLaughlan also scored in the comfortable win.