Chinnor outside-half Laurence May held his nerve to convert a last minute try and give his side victory over Cinderford in a terrific game of National One rugby.
The home team were quickly into their stride and former Cinderford player Nick Selway soon scored their opening try from an attacking lineout, which May converted and he followed it up with a second scored in similar fashion, again converted by May to make it 14-0 after 10 minutes of play. The Forest team responded well with No8 Harry Hone was drove over from close range, then a kick through the home defence saw Sam Smith gather up the ball and put Jack Hayes over to score, with George Barton converting. More good play from the visitors saw Barton chip ahead and the ball bounced kindly for Hayes to gather and race clear through under the posts for his second try, which Barton converted to make it 19-14 at the interval.
Once again it was Chinnor who made the early running from the re-start and they re-took the lead when prop Josh Pieterse forced his way over for a try, again converted by May. Barton restored the advantage for Cinderford when he kicked a penalty, before George Evans scored his team’s bonus point try in the 65th minute. The remainder of the match saw the home side pressing hard, but the visitors defended their line brilliantly until with the final play the ball was moved out wide and full-back Will Harries scored in the corner, allowing May the chance to clinch victory at the death.
Cinderford; Harry Tovey, Sam Smith, Will Mansfield, Jack Hayes, Ed Sheldon, George Barton, James Dean, George Porter (Capt.), Sam Baker, Tim Brockett, George Evans, Dale Lemon, Mat Gilbert, Jack Shields, Harry Hone. Replacements; Joe Smart, James Elliot, Jimmy Williams, Matthew Bennett, George Boulton.