The top two teams in National 2 (South) clashed at Chinnor’s Kingsey Road ground and it was Cinderford who emerged victorious with a hugely impressive all round team performance.
The home side had the advantage of a strong wind behind them in the first-half, but it was the visitors who applied the pressure in the early stages, and when they won a turnover the ball was moved quickly to the blindside for winger Reuben Norville to score an unconverted try. Chinnor responded well and a long miss pass was collected by full-back Kieran Goss who raced clear through for a try which Jonny Bentley converted.
The defences of both teams came to the fore as the half progressed, but Cinderford regained the lead when their forwards went through the phases, before Liam Hemming’s delayed pass put centre Terence Babarinsa over for a try, which James Moffat converted to put his side 12-7 ahead at the interval.
Moffat was off target with a long range penalty early in the second half, but roared on by their vociferous travelling supporters it was Cinderford who were gradually gaining the initiative. More controlled approach play from the forwards led to flanker Matt Lane stretching the lead with a third try, which was well converted by Moffat.
The momentum of the game was now firmly with the Foresters and they secured their bonus point score by once again showing great patience to go through the phases before prop George Porter was put through for the try, which was once again well converted by Moffat. Chinnor finished the game on the attack and they scored a late consolation try through winger Phil Chesters, which Bentley converted.
Cinderford; James Moffat, Stefan Hawley, Terence Babarinsa, Ed Bogue, Reuben Norville, Liam Hemming, Jimmy Williams, George Porter (Capt.), Nathan Taylor, Tim Brockett, George Evans, Dale Lemon, Matt Lane, Lewis Beer, Harry Hone.
Replacements; Joe Smart, James Elliot, Will Keenan, Clive Stuart-Smith, Rob Winchle.