Barnstaple RFC 34 – 22 Cinderford RFC
A frustrating afternoon in North Devon for Cinderford’s 1st XV, as Barnstaple produced a strong second-half performance to claim the points.
Cinderford started brightly, with Kyle Harris opening the scoring after eight minutes. The hosts responded, but Reilly Scriven’s try, converted by Joe Winfield, restored the visitors’ advantage.
A further Barnstaple try kept things close, with Cinderford heading into the break 12–10 ahead.
The second half was a different story as Barnstaple took control, making the most of their opportunities to build a commanding lead.
Cinderford continued to compete, with Harris crossing for his second try of the afternoon before Josh Horrobin added another in the closing stages, but the hosts had done enough to secure a 34–22 victory.
THOUGHTS FROM CLIVE STUART-SMITH
“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.”
There will be lessons to take from the afternoon as the squad looks to regroup and respond in the coming fixtures.