Its certainly not been the happiest of New Years’ so far for Cinderford as they followed up a disappointing defeat at home last week with their probably their worst display of the season to concede the ‘double’ to Birmingham Moseley.
Cliffie Hodgson and George Barton exchanged penalties in the early stages of the match as the home team had first use of the strong wind blowing down the Billesley Common ground. The games opening try came when quick hands created the space for home full-back Dan Lewis to score wide out, with Hodgson landing the difficult conversion. Cinderford did create some pressure near their opponents line without really threatening to score and although Hodgson kicked his second penalty to make it 13-3 at the interval the visitors would of thought they were still well in the game with the conditions in their favour in the second-half.
However, it was the home side who soon increased their advantage when second-row Tony Wortington charged over, with Hodgson converting and after this the visitors were always chasing the game. An up and under was then poorly dealt with by the Cinderford defence and winger Louis Roach raced clear through for another try, again converted by Hodgson. Cinderford gave themselves some brief respite when replacement hooker Joe Mullis scored a from a lineout catch and drive, which Barton converted. Moseley got their bonus point try when Will Biggs was driven over and Hodgson landed a late penalty, before Harry Hone scored a consolation try for the Forest side with the final play of the match.
Cinderford; Ed Sheldon, Sam Smith, Will Mansfield, Jack Hayes, Harry Tovey, George Barton, Jimmy Williams, George Porter (Capt.), Sam Baker, Tim Brockett, George Evans, Dale Lemon, Matt Lane, Mat Gilbert, Harry Hone. Replacements; Chris Bundy, Joe Mullis, Jack Shields, George Boulton, James Dean.