CINDERFORD director of rugby Paul Morris admits his side need to ’pick off’ at least one of the better-performing sides in National League One if they are to preserve their status in the third tier of English rugby.

Morris saw The Foresters defeated 38-7 by local rivals Hartpury College on Saturday – a side he called ’a class outfit’.

And with ten games remaining in the season, Morris knows simply beating Henley and Blaydon – the two teams immediately above Cinderford in the table – will not be enough to secure safety.

“The result said it all – we were beaten by a better side,” Morris said.

“They’re a class outfit on and off the pitch. We can’t hide away from it; their player resources and infrastructure are all built towards excellence.

“I’m not ashamed or humiliated by the result; I’m also not convinced that they left points on the field. We made them earn the points; some of them were easy, and some weren’t.

“But I felt it wasn’t what we deserved with our heart, determination and passion. We made life difficult for them at times but their pace and skill told in the end.“Coming fifth from bottom is probably unattainable now, but coming fourth from bottom is still doable.

“We will have to pick another side off – someone like Fylde, who we’ve beaten a few times in the past.”

Morris has tipped the promotion-chasing college side to challenge for a place in the Championship next year, but also believes it’ll be tough work for third-placed Hartpury.

“The time and level of coaching they can offer, and the attention of coaching, is something we can’t compete with,” he added.

“I’ve also been impressed by Esher and Blackheath. It’s competitive up there. There’s definitely a gulf between the top four and the bottom four."