The Wanderers delivered a clinical performance to secure a 40-0 victory over Cinderford 2nd XV. Dominating from the outset, the Wanderers capitalised on their physicality and set-piece strength to control the game and record a comfortable win.

Scrum-half Jack Bowyer, the eventual Thatchers man of the match, opened the scoring in the second minute with a sharp pick from a ruck near the line, and fly-half Ollie Millner added the conversion. The forwards took over from there, with hooker Tom Hatch scoring twice in the first half—first from a series of pick-and-go phases and then driving over from a lineout maul.

No. 8 Jay Evans rounded off the first-half scoring with a short-range effort just before the break, leaving the visitors 28-0 ahead at halftime.

The second half saw much of the same, with Cinderford unable to sustain pressure or gain meaningful territory. Jason Grinstead added another try early in the half, finishing a well-executed scrum move, while flanker George Davey closed the scoring in the 75th minute. Millner converted five of six tries to complete a solid afternoon from the kicking tee.

Another win keeps the Wanderers in a strong position near the top of Counties 1 Western North, with their next match back at home against Chard.

Whitehall 1st XV 70 Clifton Misfits XV 10

The Clifton Misfits were on the receiving end of a dominant performance from Whitehall 1s in a one-sided encounter that ended 70-10 in favour of the hosts.

Whitehall wasted no time in taking control, with early penalties putting them 6-0 ahead. On the 12-minute mark, they extended their lead with a converted try, making it 13-0. Clifton's defence was tested further as Whitehall continued to pile on the pressure, and despite a yellow card for Whitehall in the 27th minute, the Misfits struggled to get into the game.

Whitehall continued to capitalise on their possession despite Clifton’s man advantage, adding three more converted tries in the closing stages of the half to give them a commanding 34-0 lead at the break.

The second half saw no let-up from Whitehall. A penalty in the 44th minute increased their lead to 37-0, and three more converted tries pushed the score to 58-0. By the 60th minute, Whitehall had added another converted try, bringing the score to 65-0.

Clifton did manage to find some respite, however, as Whitehall received a second yellow card in the 66th minute. This gave the Misfits the opportunity they needed, and in the 70th minute, they scored their first try through flanker Luiz Gutierrez, barrelling over from close range to bringing the score to 65-5.

Whitehall quickly responded, however, with another try at 71 minutes, extending their lead to 70-5.

Clifton added a second try in the 73rd minute, with fullback Will Lang intercepting a strat Whitehall pass 40 yards out to cross the line, bringing the final score to 70-10.

Full-Time Score: Whitehall 70-10 Clifton Misfits

Man of the Match: Luiz Gutierrez (Clifton Misfits)
Despite the heavy defeat, Gutierrez was a standout performer for Clifton, showing great resilience and skill throughout the match.

The Misfits will be looking to regroup and build on the positives from this encounter as they prepare for their next challenge against bottom of the table St Brendan’s Old Boys at home next Saturday.

Tries:
L Gutierrez
W Lang