Cinderford United triumphed over their Oxfordshire opponents by the narrowest of margins, to secure a much needed victory in the Zoo Shield. They also secured the double over the Henley in the process. Henley scored five tries to the United’s two and their failure to convert any proved costly. In contrast home fly half James Moffat had a 100% goal kicking percentage and together with a try gave him a personal tally of 21 points.
Moffat opened the scoring with a penalty goal but, with the slope at the Bridge in their favour, Henley responded with a first try. Moffat’s chip was gathered by debutant United centre Leo Fielding and he raced fifty metres for a try under the posts. Moffat converted and the United led by five. Two more Henley tries gave the visitors the advantage again before a second Moffat penalty reduced the deficit to two at the interval.
Moffat regained the lead for the United early in the second half as he finished off excellent build up play by jinking over by the Henley posts. His conversion was a formality. Henley responded with a fourth try as the breathtaking action continued unabated. However, two more Moffat penalties gave the United a six point lead but three minutes from time a fifth Henley try looked to have given them an excellent winning opportunity but again the conversion was missed and the huge work rate and endeavor of a young United side was rewarded with victory.
Cinderford United; Tom Law, Ollie Whiting (Jack Richards), Alan Bryan (Captain), Leo Fielding, Nathan Green (Liam Littleton), James Moffat, Danny Pointon (Andy Uren), Mike Davies, Dave Wheeler, Jake Drinkwater (Joe Smart), Toby Farrier, Chris Morse, Sam Morse, Matt Allcock (Zac Hinds), Jack Shields.