Bishop’s Stortford continued their resurgence with an eighth victory in their last nine games over a battling Cinderford side. The final score line was a little harsh on the visitors who competed well throughout and left them probably needing one more victory from their four remaining games to ensure their National One status next season.
A decisive break from home outside-half Manu Vunipola set up Reuben Bird-Tulloch to score the game’s opening try after seven minutes. Cinderford responded with a good period of play that saw the referee award them a penalty try after a driving maul was halted illegally, then hooker Jack Preece scored from another catch and drive, with Alex Frame adding the conversion. Stortford regained the lead with three penalties from scrum-half Tom Banks, then in an extended period of play at the end of the first-half full-back Nick Hankin scored a try, which Banks converted.
The second-half saw Cinderford on top in the early stages and they reduced the deficit with a penalty from Stefan Hawley. However a missed tackle enabled winger Joss Linney to sprint clear to score a third try and put the home side back in control and then in injury time turnover ball saw Bird-Tulloch race away to grab his second, both of which were converted by Banks.
Cinderford; Stefan Hawley, Sam Smith, Terence Babarinsa, Jack Hayes, Reuben Norville, George Boulton, Alex Frame, George Porter (Capt.), Jack Preece, James Elliot, Joe Smart, Dale Lemon, Matt Lane, Aaron Ryan, Harry Hone.
Replacements; Tim Brockett, Matt Bennett, Harvey Bever, Toby Dabell, Liam Hemming.