Cinderford completed their preparations for the 24/25 season with an excellent victory over Welsh Super Rugby team Pontypool.
The home team were straight onto the attack from the opening whistle playing at a very intense pace and after eight minutes they took the lead when Will Korb went over for an unconverted try. The visitors responded with a long period of pressure in their opponents 22 but a very strong home defence managed to keep Pontypool out with some good turnover ball being kicked to touch and safety. The game then went from end-to-end rugby with both teams’ intent on playing attacking rugby. George Alexander scored a converted try from close range as Cinderford extended their lead, before Pontypool scored an unconverted try just before half-time to make it 12-5 at the interval.
The home team had the advantage at scrum-time throughout the match and more pressure up front saw them awarded a penalty try after 65 minutes play. The Welshmen reduced the deficit to 19-12 soon afterwards with a converted try, but strong defence from Cinderford saw them close out the game and put them in good spirits for their opening league match next week.