Joe Mullis scored a last gasp try as Cinderford edged out Plymouth Albion in a pulsating South West derby that left everyone breathless at the final whistle.
James Butler opened the scoring for the home team with a penalty after six minutes, but Albion hit back when centre Dean Squire scored an unconverted try. A concerted spell of pressure resulted in the Forest team retaking the lead when winger broke clear for a try which Butler converted. Then a lineout steal saw home captain George Porter force his way over in the corner, with Butler once again adding the extras. The visitors ended the first-half well and only some terrific defending kept them at bay, until Dan Mugford kicked a penalty to make it 17-8 at the interval.
Straight from the re-start Cinderford extended their lead when centre Terence Babarinsa twisted out of the tackles to score, before winger Sam Smith cut a perfect angle to go over under the posts for his team’s bonus point try, which Butler converted to make 29-8 after 48 minutes. Plymouth were struggling to make an impact on the game at this stage, but that was to change dramatically as they scored three converted tries in five minutes to suddenly draw level. Dan Powell, Pierre Thompson and Alex Ducker all went over, with Connor Eastgate adding the conversions.
Cinderford regained their composure and went for one last surge towards the Albion line, with Mullis forcing his way through for the winning score, which Butler converted.
Cinderford; Ed Sheldon, Sam Smith, Terence Babarinsa, Jack Hayes, Ed Bogue, James Butler, Jimmy Williams, George Porter, Nathan Taylor, Tim Brockett, George Evans, Dale Lemon, Matthew Gilbert, Matt Lane, Harry Hone. Replacements; Joe Smart, James Elliot, Joe Mullis, James Dean, Will Mansfield.