Cinderford made the short trip to Chepstow, to play a side which the team haven’t played for a number of years. The visitors lending the hosts 2 players as they were short on numbers. No one ever likes playing against their own team but I thought both Archie Holland and Tom Wynn gave their all for the hosts.
With a few changes Cinderford inevitably started slowly and Chepstow scored early in the game to take a deserved lead. Following the restart Cinderford started to put some phases together and after a period of relentless pressure Nick Kiss released Adam Evans down the blind side to score for Cinderford, Dan Kibble slotting the conversation from out wide. Cinderford forwards gained the upper hand against a bigger pack and but for some poor decision making would have been out of sight by half time, however could only manage one more try in the first half, with some great running and finishing by Dan Kibble, unfortunately was unable to convert his own try from in front of the posts.
Half time Chepstow 5-12 Cinderford.
The second half developed into an arm wrestle with neither side dominant. After a scrappy period Oscar Baggs broke through from the half way line, finally being brought down five meters short, a great offload for Adam Evans to crash over for his second try of the game. Dan kibble’s conversion into the wind was expertly struck and seemed to be fading in when it hit the post to deny Daniel the extra 2 points.
Again a period of dog and determination followed and Cinderford were resolute in defence, epitomised by MOTM Alex Powell for 3 fabulous tackles in quick succession. The game looked to be ending 17-5 but for a solo effort by the Chepstow 10 gathering his kick through with a fair amount of luck with the bounce of the ball.
The game became fractious and bad tempered in the final few minutes with Chepstow trying to defend their unbeaten start to the season. Fair play Cinderford weren’t drawn in by Chepstow and maintained their discipline, Cameron Ormond with exemplary restraint in not reacting to a punch thrown at him.
Cinderford thoroughly deserved victory in this fiery affair and nice to see the boys back to winning ways after a couple of disappointing results of late.
Final score Chepstow 12-17 Cinderford
Plenty to work on in training with a tough trip to Matson next week.