Cinderford came away from Silver Leys with a well-deserved victory that moves them back into 5th place in National League One.
Playing with a strong wind behind them in the first-half the Forest side began brightly but it was the defensive capabilities of both teams that were most prominent as the opening quarter remained scoreless. The deadlock was broken when Matt Lane re-gathered possession after his charge down and put George Boulton away for a try, which Reece Boulton converted. The visitors continued put their opponents under pressure as half-time approached particularly at the scrummage and they forced them to concede a couple of penalties which Boughton was able to convert to give his team a 13-0 lead at the interval.
With conditions now in their favour Stortford were soon pressing forward in the second-half and they opened their when Alfie Orchard kicked a penalty and they were right back in it when a defensive error allowed Sam Winter to score the simplest of tries, which Orchard converted. Cinderford now enjoyed a good spell of play which eventually led to an attacking lineout which saw hooker Sam Baker driven over the line to score a try, which Boughton converted. Stortford responded well and winger Josh Stannard went over for an unconverted try in the corner and they continued press forward as the match went into it’s closing stages, but all their efforts were repelled by some terrific defensive work from the Foresters who were able to celebrate a victory at the final whistle.
Cinderford; Mike Austin, Will Baldwin, Reece Dunn, George Boulton, Will Hendy, Reece Boughton, Jimmy Williams, George Porter, Sam Baker, Tim Brockett, Tyler Jerrum, George Evans, Matt Lane, Jack Shields, Harry Hone.
Repls; Dewi Wilcox, Alex Chalklin, Aaron Ryan, Mat Gilbert, Clive Stuart-Smith.