Played on 7th September 2014 at St Josephs RC, Duffryn, Newport
This was Cinderfords first game of the season against a side they had not played before. After their triumph at the end of last season in the County Plate, Cinderford were keen to carry on the good from.
Cinderford travelled with only the minimum 15 players. With many players playing in “new” positions, Cinderford knew this was to be a tough opening game.
In what was to prove very tough and tight game, Cinderford scored the opening try with Connor Gresty scoring after some fine work from the forwards. Jack Guy added the conversion to give Cinderford the early lead at 7-0.
St Josephs came back strong and scored 2 quick tries and added a conversion to take the lead at 12-7.
This sparked Cinderford into some fine all round rugby and were well rewarded when Will Baldwin added a second try to draw level at 12-12.
Just before half time, following some fine powerful work by the forwards, Josh Haddock gathered the ball from the base of a ruck, and proved unstoppable from 2 yards and powered over the try line to give Cinderford the lead. Niall Rosser added the conversion to give Cinderford a half time lead at 19-12.
Early in the second half, St Josephs scored 2 quick tries and added one conversion to take a 24-19 lead.
Cinderford never gave up and were rewarded with a fine try scored by last seasons top try scorer Will Baldwin to draw level again.
With only the last few minutes remaining, Cinderford were camped in St Josephs half and following some fine phases, BenThompson scored the winning try to give Cinderford a hard fought, but well deserved victory 29-24.
Cinderford squad
Ben Thompson
Conner Gresty
Jacob Smith
Josh Haddock
Finlay Poultney
Toby Powell
Jack Robbins
Morgan Peates
Ollie Moore
Niall Rosser
Jack Guy
Ethan Brookes
Ryan Kibble
Will Baldwin
Cam Davis