Cinderford overcame Loughborough Students in an outstanding 12 try match which included a set-piece masterclass from the home team.
The visitors took the lead inside the first minute through an impressive Ben Rowe try, but the hosts soon took control with three tries in the opening 20 minutes. It was soon evident that the home side’s set-piece was going to cause chaos all afternoon.
A Nathan Taylor mauling try was followed by captain Tyler Jerrum dotting down after a lovely offload from the hooker. Then another destructive maul saw George Perry go over. Loughborough were given a lifeline on the half hour mark as Cinderford were cut down to 13-men. Winger Sam Smith was first to go after a deliberate knock on prevented a certain Loughborough try. Then a penalty try from the resulting lineout also had Perry in the dugout. Despite the disadvantage, Cinderford managed score from another maul, this time by James Elliott to finish the half 10 points ahead.
In the second 40, Cinderford’s set piece remained ruthless. Kit Temperley’s score at the death secured a bonus for the visitors, but it was all about the hosts. A penalty try of their own and a Sonny Greenman 60 metre interception either side of a second try for Loughborough’s Rowe kept Cinderford in total control. An impressive performance was capped for the hosts with a brilliant score from Smith and a push over for Tom Hill to send their fans home delighted.
Cinderford; Harry Johnson, Stan Folks-Underhill, Hugo Murray, Will Baldwin, Sam Smith, Luke McMahon, Sam Allford, Alex Chalklin, Nathan Taylor, George Perry, Tyler Jerrum (Capt.), Ben Carpenter, Aaron Ryan, Dan Broady, George Evans.
Repls; James Elliot, Thoms Hill, George Angell, Jonny Holiday, Sonny Greenman.