Cinderford edged past Darlington Mowden Park with a late penalty kicked by Liam Hemming proving to be the difference between the teams.
With both sides assured of their places in National One next season the match proved to be an entertaining affair with the outcome in the balance right up until the final whistle. The home side were soon ahead when scrum-half Ewan Fenley scored after some good play from Harry Hone, with Hemming converting. The visitors quickly responded with a well taken try from Ollie Walker, which was converted by Gary Law. A series of pick and goes near their opponents try line eventually saw Cinderford regain the lead when Hone forced his way over, with Hemming converting. As half-time approached DMP reduced the deficit when Dave Fisher scored his team’s second try to make it 14-12 at the interval.
The second-half continued in similar fashion with Cinderford soon extending their lead when Terence Babarinsa scored a try, only for the visitors to reply level it up again when Shaun McCartney went over, with Law adding the conversion. Reuben Norville scored the bonus point try for the home team after 65 minutes, with Hemming adding the conversion. But once again the visitors were back in it when Chris McTurk scored a fourth try for the visitors, with Law again converting. Hemming’s late penalty was to prove crucial as Cinderford held firm in the closing minutes to secure their victory.
Cinderford; Alex Frame, Tom Darby, Terence Babarinsa, Jack Hayes, Reuben Norville, Liam Hemming, Ewan Fenley, George Porter (Capt.), Tom Bozzard, Tim Brockett, George Evans, Dale Lemon, Aaron Ryan, Matt Bennett, Harry Hone.
Replacements; James Elliot, Joe Mullis, Dan Broady, Stefan Hawley, Dan Pointon.