Cinderford Match Report

Cinderford 20 Cheltenham North 0

Cinderford Stags scored three tries to nil in beating Cheltenham North II at Dockham Road. This was a Gloucester Merit Table Division 1 match and the Stags remain in top place.

A big, well-drilled Cheltenham North side exerted early forward pressure, however, the Cinderford Stags defence stood solid. Both sets of forwards aimed to dominate one another in a midfield struggle. The score remained nil-nil, until the twenty-minute mark, when the Stags forwards broke from a midfield maul.

Good interplay from both backs and forwards led to a try for winger Lee Clark who celebrated with a forward role as he scored. Outside half Luke beard converted from wide out. With ten minutes of the half remaining and following a Cheltenham North infringement, Beard struck a good penalty. Half-time score 10 points to nil.

The second half started as the first, with Cheltenham North gaining a lot of territory. The Stags defence remained resolute and with extra numbers in the breakdown area, the Stags began to turn over a lot of ball. A foray into the North half by the Stags forwards saw prop Mark Bluett race to the line for an unconverted try. With the Stags defence gaining stature, Cheltenham North tired. With ten minutes to go relentless Stags pressure brought another unconverted try through captain and number eight Jonny Jelf.

The final score was 20 points to nil in the Stags favour and was built on a dogged, pressure defence.

Team: P. Worgan, R. Davis, S. Ranford, J. Rowles, L. Clark, L. Beard, D. Parry, M. Bluett, M. Baldwin, D. Peters, D. Kear, S. Davis, D. Clark, J. Jelf, A. Boxall. Replacements: I. Taylor, J. Baglin