Cinderford’s impressive start to the season continued as they produced a strong second-half performance to overcome the challenge of Loughborough Students.

The first-half was dominated by the defensive qualities of the teams as they both enjoyed several spells of attacking possession but were unable to breakthrough, and the only score that separated the sides at the interval was a penalty from visiting outside-half Liam Hemming.

The Forest team were soon pressing forward after the interval and a kick through the Students defence saw debutant winger Sam Smith win the race to score an unconverted try.  Forwards and backs then combined with some terrific handling to put Hemming away to score the next try, which he also converted.

The Students earned themselves some brief respite when Charlie Reed kicked a penalty, but after that Cinderford took complete control.  Following several scrummage re-sets the referee awarded them a penalty try, and then they claimed their bonus point when No8 Harry Hone scored a pushover try, which Hemming converted.

Smith completed his try double following a well executed cross-field kick, before Loughborough responded through second-row Henry Wheadon.  Cinderford’s sixth and final try came when Smith was tackled just short of the line and the ball was quickly recycled for centre George Boulton to go over.

Cinderford; Stefan Hawley, Sam Smith, Ed Bogue, George Boulton, Reuben Norville, Liam Hemming, Alex Frame, Joe Smart (Capt.), Tom Bozzard, Tim Brockett, Ben So’oailo Chan, Dale Lemon, Matt Lane, Matt Bennett, Harry Hone.

Replacements; James Elliot, George Porter, Jack Shields, George Evans, Terence Barbarinsa.