A last gasp converted try saw Cinderford snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and deny Barnstaple the win their performance probably deserved.
With the final play of the match centre Terence Babarinsa powered his way over for a try to level the scores and James Moffat held his nerve to land the match-winning conversion. The early signs looked good for the league leaders as a textbook lineout catch and drive saw prop Tim Brockett go over for the game’s opening try in the 11th minute. However the home side took the game to their opponents and levelled the scores in 25th minute, when scrum half Jordan Petherbridge slipped through a gap in the visitor’s defence.
It remained all square at half-time, but soon after the re-start Barnstaple took the lead when their outstanding centre Ryan Carter spun out of a tackle to score a try, which Jake Murphy converted. A strong run from centre Ed Bouge created the space for Reuben Norville to score a try and then Moffat edged Cinderford ahead with a penalty, but two penalties from Murphy had Barum 18-13 up with just seconds remaining.
As Cinderford threw everything into one final attack, desperate defence from the home side saw them concede three penalties and their opponents were able to get into a position for Babarinsa to strike from close range.
Cinderford; James Moffat, Stef Hawley, Terence Babarinsa, Ed Bogue, Reuben Norville, Liam Hemming, Alex Frame, George Porter (Capt.), Nathan Taylor, Tim Brockett, Roger Birkin, Dale Lemon, Matt Lane, Will Keenan, Harry Hone.
Replacements; Joe Smart, James Elliot, Callum Allen, Jack Shields, Clive Stuart-Smith.