Cinderford produced a much improved display and made Hartpury College work hard for their victory in a keenly contested local derby.
The home side were quickly into their stride and winger Kai Little powered over for a try after just three minutes of play, with Gareth Thompson converting. Thompson extended the lead with a long range penalty, but the visitors began to come much more into the game, despite being badly let down by a malfunctioning lineout which saw them repeatedly losing the ball on their own throw.
The score remained 10-0 at the interval, and after the resumption it was Cinderford who continued to press forward with winger Alex Pickersgill racing over under the posts, after taking an excellent pass from Callum Sheedy. A penalty then tied the scores and it looked as though Cinderford had the momentum with them, however it was Hartpury who began to regain the initiative as Thompson put over his second penalty, before converting a try from prop Alfie Baron.
The home side made the game safe in the closing minutes when some excellent handling saw Robbie Shaw go over for a try. There was still for Cinderford to grab a late consolation score, which their efforts deserved, through Syd Blackmore.
Cinderford team:
Mike Wilcox (Capt), Harrison Yorke, Sam Hanks, Robbie Winchle, Alex Pickersgill, Callum Sheedy, Dan Pointon, Chris Bundy, Davy McGregor, Francisco Bruno, Roger Birkin, Jerry Sexton, George Mills, Syd Blackmore, Matt Lane.
Replacements; Will Goodrick-Clark, Dan Keat, Aaron Ryan, Jimmy Williams, Angus Bowyer.