A strong first-half performance from Mowden Park earned them an opening day victory at Cinderford, whose new look team showed plenty of spirit and character to match their opponents in scoring four tries.
Despite an early yellow card for second-row Tom Jubb, the visitors crossed twice through Ben Frankland and Bruno Bravo, with Gary Law landing both conversions. Sam Hanks showed great determination to score an unconverted try for Cinderford, before Law kicked two penalties and converted his own interception try to make it 27-5 to the visitors after 30 minutes of play.
The home side responded with a fine try made by Mike Wilcox and finished off by George Mills, which James Moffat converted. Law was on target with his third penalty on the stroke of half-time.
The second-half was a much more even contest with Jubb going over to extend his side’s lead with a fourth try after 65 minutes, with Law again converting. Sid Blackmore replied with a try for Cinderford, with ten minutes remaining which Ben Penfold converted and they gained a well deserved try scoring bonus point when young prop Will Goodrick-Clarke touched down from a lineout catch and drive.
Cinderford team:
Mike Wilcox (capt), Lucas Slowik, Sam Hanks, Robbie Winchle, Alex Pickersgill, James Moffat, Louis Silver, Chris Bundy, Davy McGregor, Francisco Bruno, Roger Birkin, Matthew Lane, George Mills, Sid Blackmore, Jack Shields
Replacements: Will Goodrick-Clarke, Sam Baker, Milo Reynolds, Jimmy Williams, Ben Penfold