SWINDON went out of the Intermediate Cup after a four-try burst in a 15-minute spell in the second half by their higher league opponents.

But for long periods of the game the Greenbridge Road side had acquitted themselves well in this third round tie against the current South West 1 league leaders.

Cinderford, who are two leagues above Swindon, had a poor start as Swindon immediately put the visitors under pressure.

From a scrummage in the Cinderford 22, their fly-half was lucky not to concede a score when he fumbled the first pass from his scrum half, however the Cinderford defence held firm and Swindon were not able to score.

Cinderford's well drilled pack put the smallerSwindon pack under constant pressure.

From each scrummage Swindon's defence was tested and put under pressure time and time again, but each time the visitors were stopped in their tracks.

There were a number of occasions when Swindon looked to break out, only to be pulled back for an earlier infringement.

The stalemate ended after 25 minutes when Cinderford opted to kick for goal after many attacking opportunities had been spoilt by the eager Swindon defence, and an earlier attempt in front of the posts was missed.

This seemed to encourage the visitors, within minutes they were again on the attack, it took several phases of play before Cinderford managed to create an overlap way out to the left and allowed their centre to run in unopposed and score near the posts. The score was converted.

Swindon were not going to let this game go without a struggle, for the remaining minutes of the half they put some great moves together and showed that they were in the game. Just outside the Cinderford 22, a penalty was awarded to Swindon and with the last kick of the half, Adam Westall brought Swindon onto the scoresheet.

From the start of the second half Swindon immediately put pressure on Cinderford when their forwards fumbled the ball, Pat McBain raced down the wing, feeding Andy Morley who set up the ruck for the following forwards, with quickly recycled ball the Cinderford back line was caught offside and Swindon earned a penalty in front of the posts. Adam Westall again stepped up and Swindon closed the gap to 10 - 6.

It looked like Swindon were in with a real chance, until Cinderford scored another try.

After that the next 15 minutes saw Cinderford take control of the game. Their ball handling and skills showed as they put Swindon out of sight with four tries in 15 minutes.

For the first time in the game the difference between the leagues was apparent.

But for the last 10 minutes of the game it was Swindon who looked the better of the two sides, and they were unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions.

Cinderford knew they had been in a game that was not as easy as their league positions might have suggested.

Swindon's performance showed real passion and commitment, and proved that they still have not reached their full potential.

Swindon return to league action on Saturday when they face Oxford Harlequins at home. If they play with the same level of commitment, the result will certainly go their way.