There was dramatic conclusion to this game as Cinderford were denied a morale boosting victory when Ben Penfold’s penalty hit the upright with the last action of a thrilling encounter. It was tough on the home side who had fought back from a 19-7 deficit at half-time to lead 25-24 as the match went into the closing stages, before Ampthill landed what proved to be a decisive penalty.
Winger Darrell Dyer opened the scoring with a try for the visitors, which Elliot Clements-Hill converted. Cinderford replied immediately when Chris Bundy stretched out to get the ball over the line to get a try which Callum Sheedy converted. Joe Tarrant and Matt Howling then went over for tries as Ampthill looked to be getting on top, Clements-Hill landing one of the conversions.
Cinderford were much improved after the interval and they scored 18 unanswered points to turn the game in their favour. Milo Reynolds and Alex Pickersgill scored their tries with Sheedy landing a conversion and two penalties. Ampthill responded with an unconverted try from replacement Billy Walker before Will Maisey landed the crucial penalty.
Cinderford team:
Mike Wilcox (capt), Lukas Slowik, Sam Hanks, Robbie Winchle, Alex Pickersgill, Callum Sheedy, Jimmy Williams, Chris Bundy, Davy McGregor, Francisco Bruno, Milo Reynolds, Roger Birkin, George Mills, Marcus Brown, Matt Lane.
Replacements all used; Will Goodrick-Clarke, Joe Mullis, Will Scholes, Dan Pointon, Ben Penfold.