Cinderford showcased resilience and strength in a much-changed lineup, securing a decisive 29-7 victory against Hornets at Bell Sports & Rugby Park in National League 2 West.
The home side started strongly, with winger Sam Smith powering through the defense to score an unconverted try. Hornets responded swiftly, counterattacking from deep with Josh Sheppard crossing and Jack Gapper adding the conversion.
Cinderford regained control approaching halftime as hooker Nathan Taylor drove over from a 5m lineout, closing the half at 10-7.
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After a scoreless opening quarter in the second half, Cinderford capitalized on a rare lapse by Hornets, scoring effortlessly through second-row Callum Thompson following an uncontested lineout.
In the final stages, Cinderford’s set-piece dominance led to Jake Polledri’s try from successive 5m scrums, converted by Jack Condliffe. Smith then outpaced defenders to claim his second try, also converted, sealing the win.
Matson rallied from 5-0 down at halftime to defeat Lydney 19-5 at Redwell Road in Regional 1 South West. After Alfie Searles put Lydney ahead, Matson’s Jake Hanley kicked multiple penalties. Shane Burford’s alertness led to a peculiar try when a kick bounced off the corner flag and was grounded, with Hanley extending the lead through penalties.
In Regional 1 Midlands, Newent narrowly defeated Bridgnorth 22-19. Newent took an early 10-0 lead before Bridgnorth fought back, briefly leading 19-10. Newent’s persistence paid off with a penalty try following a defensive error, and a decisive score by Sion Killa won the match.
Drybrook suffered a 26-0 shutout at Stourbridge. Meanwhile, Old Centralians dominated Cheltenham 63-0 in Regional 2 Severn, with Ross Hannaford scoring a hat-trick and several players contributing tries, complemented by Wayne Mulhern’s nine conversions.
Longlevens endured a frustrating 31-12 loss at Thornbury after a promising start. Thornbury scored four quick tries to take control, and despite efforts from Longlevens’ Ty Grant and Tom Barton, Thornbury secured the win.
Stow-on-the-Wold, second in their league, fell 26-10 to leaders Moseley Oak in Regional 2 Midlands West, while Chosen Hill Former Pupils were edged out 26-21 by Nailsea & Backwell. Gordon League narrowly lost 19-15 to Midsomer Norton.
Smiths Rugby maintained pressure on Counties 2 Gloucestershire leaders Frampton Cotterell, winning 46-28 against Dursley, with Pete Reed scoring a hat-trick. Dursley earned a bonus point with multiple tries.
Cinderford United rallied to defeat St Mary’s OB 53-32 behind strong performances including two tries from Reilly Scriven and a solid kicking game from Luke McMahon.
Stroud earned a 35-15 victory over Cheltenham North with multiple try scorers and consistent kicking, while Old Patesians achieved a 31-12 win against Old Richians.
Bream edged Tewkesbury 27-26 with Ben ‘Joner’ Jones scoring twice. Fairford sailed past Amesbury 72-14, highlighted by a hat-trick from Lewis Drabwell and four conversions from Harri Cummings.
Counties 2 Gloucestershire leaders Cirencester defeated Drybrook II 43-5, with Tom Mills scoring a hat-trick. Hucclecote halted Berry Hill’s winning streak with a 29-15 win, aided by multiple tries.
Cheltenham Saracens triumphed 62-15 over Old Cryptians, with Oli Wilton leading a hat-trick alongside other try scorers, while Bredon Star crushed Spartans 71-7 with numerous scorers and successful conversions.
Coney Hill narrowly defeated Brockworth 11-9, and Gloucester Old Boys secured a 31-24 win against Lydney II, thanks to Tadgh Galvin’s two tries and conversions.
In Counties 4 Gloucestershire North, Widden Old Boys defeated Ross-on-Wye 35-15. Smiths II won 17-12 at Minchinhampton, Matson II edged CCS Warpigs 21-14, and Longlevens II beat Ledbury II 17-0.
On the women’s front, Cheltenham Tigers II dominated Newbury 37-0 in Women’s Championship 2 South West. Hucclecote secured a 12-5 win against Chinnor Kites in NC1 South West (East), and Dursley lost narrowly 17-12 to Chipping Sodbury in NC2 South West (North).
Fairford came from behind to beat Cinderford 19-7 in NC3 South West (North), with Amber Moran’s converted try leveling the half. Minchinhampton received a walkover win over Old Cryptians, while Tewkesbury fell 21-7 to Pershore despite a try from Bec Buckley.