Cambridge edged out Cinderford at Volac Park in a match dominated by the defensive qualities of both teams. The home side made all the running in the early stages of the game, but they were unable breach their opponent’s line and a Ben Penfold penalty was all they had to show for their efforts. Straight from the re-start an offside offence enabled Cinderford’s Liam Hemming to level the scores with a penalty. The remainder of the first-half continued to see solid defence from both teams and the score remained unchanged 3-3 at the interval.
The second-half began with visiting scrum-half Ewan Fenley breaking through to the Cambridge 22, and when the home side were penalised at the ensuing scrummage Hemming put Cinderford ahead with a successful kick at goal. After this however the momentum of the match swung in favour of the home team as they dominated possession and territory for long periods.
The Foresters’ Matt Lane picked up a yellow card for his team’s repeated infringements and eventually the pressure told when replacement hooker Alex Rayment forced his way over the try line from close range, with Penfold adding the conversion. Cinderford pressed forward in the closing stages but were unable to find a way through and had to settle for a losing bonus point.
Cinderford; Stefan Hawley, Sam Smith, Terence Babarinsa, George Boulton, Reuben Norville, Liam Hemming, Ewan Fenley, George Porter (Capt.), Nathan Taylor, James Elliot, George Evans, Dale Lemon, Matt Lane, Dan Broady, Harry Hone.
Replacements; Joe Smart, Joe Mullis, Aaron Ryan, Will Baldwin, Dan Pointon.