In a game of hugely contrasting halves it took an injury time try from Alex Frame to salvage a draw for Cinderford, in a highly entertaining encounter at Bury St Edmunds, after they had led 21-0 at the interval.
In perfect playing conditions it was the visitors who began strongly and a lineout catch and drive was taken on by Will Keenan who put scrum-half Jimmy Williams through to score the game’s opening try, which James Moffat converted. Williams soon scored his second when a powerful run from Sam Goatley created an opening in the home defence, with Moffat adding the extras.
Cinderford continued to dominate proceedings and a strike against the head saw Moffat make the break to put Goatley over for a third try after 24 minutes of play, which he again converted. Bury came much more into the game as the first-half progressed, but the visitors defence held firm to ensure they reached half-time well placed.
The home side were again pressing forward from the re-start and Glyn Hughes landed a penalty and then converted a try from impressive replacement Sam Sterling. Moffat stretched his team’s lead with a penalty, after Bury’s Dan Collins was shown a red card for foul play. Despite this setback Bury continued apply the pressure with Hughes converting his own try, before levelling the scores after a kick ahead and chase resulted in a try for Shaq Meyers.
Then as the game went it’s closing stages the home side looked to have completed a remarkable comeback when second-row Matt Edison crashed over, but there was still time for Frame to ensure the match ended all square.
Cinderford; James Moffat, Harrison Yorke, Reuben Norville, Sam Goatley, Harry Robinson, Dan Pointon, Jimmy Williams, Joe Smart (Capt.), Will Haly, James Tideswell, Jack Shields Ed King, Aaron Ryan, Will Keenan, George Evans.
Replacements; George Porter, Sam Baker, Dale Lemon, Alex Frame, Rob Winchle.