Cinderford lose fourth game in a row

Cinderford 10 – Tynedale 18

CINDERFORD looked like a team low on confidence as they slipped to their fourth consecutive defeat in National League One.

They made a dream start – stealing the visitors’ line-out ball and putting Tynedale under severe pressure.

The Foresters hammered away at their opponent’s line and were awarded a penalty-try when Tynedale twice prevented them from scoring illegally,

Fly-half Danny Pointon added the conversion, but somehow missed a simple penalty from in front of the posts shortly afterwards.

Tynedale improved as the match progressed and drew level with a try from second-row Andrew Murray, converted by Andrew Hall.

Pointon restored Cinderford’s lead on 32 minutes with a penalty, but it was Tynedale who were doing all the attacking when the whistle blew to end the first-half.

Hall levelled the scores up early in the second-half with his opening penalty.

Cinderford were now struggling in the set-pieces and the visitors looked dangerous going forward with some quick handling and close support play.

On the hour, Hall kicked another penalty to put his side in front.

Ten minutes from time, prop John Williams crashed over from close-range for an unconverted try to make the game safe for the visitors.

Cinderford had chances to gain at least a bonus point, but their best efforts were thwarted by a resilient Tynedale defence.

Cinderford forwards coach Lee Fortey was disappointed with Saturday’s showing from his men, saying: “As a set pack of eight, we didn’t do enough of the grunt.

“We were under pressure at the set-pieces and when that happens you take it a bit personally.

“Home games are crucial but it seems when we get a lead and go in front we stop playing.”

Fortey believes this Saturday’s trip to Blackheath, who are just above Cinderford in the league table, is now a massive game for both clubs.

He said: “We have to go there and grind out a result.

“We’re not too far away, but it’s all our own doing that we’re where we are in the league.”

Cinderford: Dave Knight (rep Brett Turner 72), Rob Winchle, Paul Boston (rep Alistair Bressington 62), Dewi Scourfield, Reuben Haile, Danny Pointon, Paul Knight (capt), Phil Kennedy, Adrian Duncan, Andy Deacon (rep Joe Smart 70), Dave Bufton, Danny Wright, Adam Nicholls, Chris McNeil, George Evans (rep Mike Panaho 53). Rep not used: Chris Hall.

Source:thisisgloucestershire