Cinderford delivered an impressive performance with a 38-17 victory over Loughborough in National 2 West. Mattie Cotton opened the scoring early, breaking through the defense to touch down near the posts, with Sonny Greenman adding the conversion. Loughborough replied with an unconverted try, but Cinderford extended their lead through tries by Sam Smith and James Elliot. Cotton struck again before halftime, and Greenman’s reliable kicking saw the Foresters hold a 24-5 lead at the break.
Loughborough fought back in the second half, narrowing the gap to 24-17 after two tries, but Cinderford reasserted control. Dave Samak and Reilly Scriven both scored converted tries, sealing a decisive win.
In Regional 1 South West, Lydney staged a thrilling comeback, overturning a 17-0 deficit to edge Launceston 20-17 with a last-minute penalty from Rickie Aley. Launceston dominated the first half with two tries and a penalty, but Lydney hit back thanks to key tries from Jack Cuthbert and Pat Hanslow. Aley’s accuracy kept Lydney in contention, ultimately delivering the winning kick.
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Newent claimed a significant Regional 1 Midlands victory, overpowering Stourbridge 34-7 at home. Tom Webb’s penalty marked the half’s only score, but the second half belonged to Newent. Webb’s try and multiple conversions, along with tries from Doug Long, Garrett Myers, Will Hartland, and Joe Warner, put the result beyond doubt.
Lichfield defeated Drybrook 52-10 in a dominant display, outpacing their opponents with multiple tries, including a penalty try, and maintaining an early lead that Drybrook couldn’t overcome.
Old Centralians and Chippenham played out a 22-22 draw in Regional 2 Severn, with tries from Wayne Mulhern, Gav Deane, Luke Jones, and Malachi Mills for Centralians. Meanwhile, Longlevens fell 37-18 at home to Keynsham, who scored crucial late tries to secure the win.
In other results, Cheltenham remain bottom after a narrow 12-7 loss to North Dorset, while Stow-on-the-Wold shut out Stratford-upon-Avon 24-0, thanks to tries from Tom Barber, Will Marks, Andrew Piercy, and two conversions by Dave O’Sullivan.
Counties 1 Western North saw Chosen Hill Former Pupils and Gordon League both suffer defeats, while Smiths Rugby topped Counties 2 Gloucestershire with a close 10-5 win over Frampton Cotterell. Cinderford United defeated Old Richians 12-0, and Stroud lost heavily to St Mary’s Old Boys.
In Counties 3 Gloucestershire North, Cheltenham Saracens maintained their leading position with a 20-7 win at Gloucester Old Boys. Hucclecote secured second place following a 39-12 victory over Spartans, and Cirencester edged Bredon Star 20-10.
Drybrook II recorded a 21-7 victory over Brockworth, while Lydney II also succeeded with a 17-7 win over Berry Hill.
In the Counties 4 Gloucestershire North league, Longlevens II continued their strong form with a 26-5 win against Smiths, and Widden Old Boys narrowly defeated Minchinhampton 25-21. Matson United overturned a halftime deficit to beat Ledbury II 32-31, and CCS Warpigs edged Ross-on-Wye 31-19.
WOMEN’S ROUND-UP
Cheltenham Tigers secured a 20-14 victory over Barnsley in Women’s Championship North 1, led by Jess Dadds’ hat-trick and a try from Emma Hennessy. Their second XV, however, fell 43-10 at Cullompton.
Drybrook remain third in NC 1 South West (East) after Jenna Skidmore’s hat-trick powered a 34-5 win over Melksham. Hucclecote narrowly lost 31-24 to North Bristol II, despite strong efforts including two tries from Paige Allen.
Cheltenham North lead NC 2 South West (North) with a perfect record after a 29-0 shutout of Chipping Sodbury, with multiple try scorers including Hannah Kibble and Meg Thomas.
Dursley suffered a heavy 55-15 defeat at Aretians despite tries from Ella Brisland, Chloe Parry, and Emily Seager.
In NC 3 South West (North), Fairford climbed to the top of the table with a 33-12 victory over Pershore. Cheltenham Civil Service also remain close behind despite a 48-7 loss at Cinderford, where Erin Jay scored four tries, complemented by a hat-trick from Gemma Harrison and three conversions from Amy Thorne.
Tewkesbury won 45-25 against Old Cryptians, who scored five tries, while Minchinhampton earned a walkover over Cheltenham North II.