This was the third time that Cinderford had played St Josephs this season and the scores were 1-1 so this game was a “decider”.
The game was played on a cold and windy morning and the pitch was very firm so not ideal conditions. In a very tight first half, neither side was going to take a backward step and for the first 30 minutes, the game was a scrappy affair, although, Cinderford spent more time in St Joseph’s half without any reward.
After 30 minutes, St Josephs scored a try which was converted to give the visitors a 7-0 lead. Shortly afterwards, St Josephs scored again and converted to give them a 14-0 lead at half time.
This scoreline flattered St Josephs but Cinderford came out for the second half fully intent on turning the scoreline around.
After only 5 minutes, Cinderford’s try machine, Will Baldwin scored a fine try and Niall Rosser added the conversion to make the score 14-7 and Cinderford’s momentum was gaining pace.
Soon afterwards, after some fine all round play, Jack Guy scored another try to make the score 14-12. The conversion was narrowly missed.
Most of the play now was in the St Josephs half and with only minutes to go, Toby Powell found himself on the wing and Will Baldwin gave him a perfect pass to allow Toby to cross the line for a fine try and this gave Cinderford a 17-14 lead.
Cinderford never looked back and came out deserved winners 17-14. Only 1 game left now in the season.
Good luck boys and well done on a victory over our “Welsh” neighbours.
Cinderford squad: Josh Haddock, Ethan Brookes, Jack Guy, Louis Brennan, Finlay Poultney, Mason Carr, Jude Hunt, Ben Thompson, Will Baldwin, Ryan Kibble, Morgan Peates, Ollie Moore, Josh Tull, Jacob Smith, Niall Rosser, Connor Gresty, Cam Davis, Toby Powell.