Cinderford make it five home wins on the bounce as they completed a 37-17 victory over Exeter University in a nine try thriller.
Cinderford took the lead after 11 minutes with number eight George Evans powering over after a patient attacking period. The visitors drew level four minutes later, as hooker Robert Gaffan was left untouched to pick and go over the Cinderford line from close range. Tries from Sam Smith and Will Baldwin gave the hosts a 12-point lead at the break, and they carried on their form into the second half.
Three minutes into the second period, Harry Edwards drove himself over the Exeter line after a strong maul hit the floor, and despite Exeter’s second score three minutes later through Harrison Hall, Cinderford kept composed and added two more tries before the final whistle. Another try for Evans and a wonderfully created second for Smith gave the hosts complete control with 20 minutes remaining. However, Exeter added their third before game’s end as a clever cross field kick was collected in the corner by Josh Golden-Clarke. Finally, with the clock red, Harry Johnson slotted home a simple penalty to wrap up a solid performance the home side.
Scoring sequence Cinderford
Tries: Evans 11, 55, Smith 18, 60, Baldwin 34, Edwards 43.
Conversions: McMahon 12, 35.
Penalties: Johnson 80.
Cinderford; Sonny Greenman, Stan Folks-Underhill, Will Baldwin, Harry Johnson, Sam Smith, Luke McMahon, Jimmy Williams, Harry Edwards, Nathan Taylor, James Elliot, Tyler Jerrum (Capt.), Jonny Holliday, Aaron Ryan, Dan Broady, George Evans.
Repls; Thomas Hill, George Perry, George Angell, James Stockwell, Tom Samak.