Cinderford completed their preparations for the new season with an impressive performance in difficult weather conditions at Hinckley.

The visitors were soon putting pressure on their opponents and they kicked a penalty into the corner to set up a lineout catch and drive which enabled hooker Tom Bozzard to score an unconverted try.  James Moffat increased the lead with a penalty before referee Dave Clarkson took the players from the field as a thunderstorm closed in.

When play resumed more pressure on the home side’s line led to a second try for Bozzard, which Moffat converted. Connor Eastgate landed a penalty for Hinckley, as his side made a rare incursion into their opponents territory. Just before half-time Moffat opened up the Hinckley defence with a jinking run and some good handling enabled winger George Bvuma to score an excellent try.

The second-half started in heavy rain, but Cinderford made light of the conditions when they scored a fourth try through replacement prop Joe Smart, which Luke McMahon converted.  The teams were then taken from the field for a second time with lightning once again flashing all around the field.

The visitors completed their victory in style when play restarted, with the referee awarding them a penalty try as their opponents collapsed a rolling maul, as they surged towards the line from a lineout on the 22m line. McMahon converted.

This result will enable Cinderford to go into their opening league fixture at home to Canterbury next Saturday in optimistic mood.

Cinderford; Eamonn Rees, George Bvuma, Sam Goatley, Rob Winchle, Lee Hathaway, James Moffat, Clive Stuart-Smith, George Porter (Capt.), Tom Bozzard, James Tideswell, Dale Lemon, Ed King, Aaron Ryan, Dan Broady, George Evans.

Replacements all used;
Joe Smart, Alex Frame, Marcus Brown, Luke McMahon, Dan Keat, Toby Farrier, Ollie Whiting, Terence Babarinsa, Jimmy Williams, Sam Baker.