There was late heartbreak for Cinderford at the Northern Echo Arena when they were denied the draw their efforts deserved by an injury time drop-goal from DMP centre Warren Seals.
In bitterly cold conditions it was the defensive qualities of both teams that dominated the match throughout in a tense and tight affair, with any scoring opportunities very limited. It took a moment of inspiration from Park outside-half Gary Law to break the deadlock just before half-time when he kicked ahead and was quickly through to score a try, which he also converted well from the touchline.
Cinderford put their opponents under pressure when the second-half got underway and a loose pass was intercepted by winger Jake Morris who ran in to score, with Liam Hemming landing the conversion to level it at 7-7. Both sides produced good passages of play as the half progressed but the defence’s continued to hold firm. Law had a chance to win it late on but his drop-goal attempt drifted wide, before Seals won it for the home side at the death.
Cinderford; Liam Hemming, Sam Smith, Jack Hayes, George Boulton, Jake Morris, Dan Pointon, Ewan Fenley, George Porter (Capt.), Nathan Taylor, Tim Brockett, George Evans, Dale Lemon, Jack Shields, Aaron Ryan, Harry Hone.
Replacements; Joe Smart, James Elliot, Matthew Bennett, Toby Dabell, Terence Babarinsa.