The United retained the FOD Combination Senior Cup for a sixth successive season, but they were pushed all the way by a determined challenge from an impressive Newent side. It took a virtuoso performance from man of the match James Moffat, who scored all of Cinderford’s points and some solid defence to ensure the cup stayed at Dockham Rd.
Newent held the territorial advantage in the first-half, using the strong swirling wind to good effect and they deserved their 6-0 lead at the interval.
The United’s game management skills came to the fore after the break and Moffat was soon racing over for the game’s opening try. He then added two penalties and a drop-goal to put his team 14-6 ahead going into the closing stages of the match. Their opponents gave them a real scare however when they broke through in mid-field to score an excellent converted try. The re-start kick went deep into Newent territory and forced into running out of defence they conceded another penalty, which allowed Moffat to secure the cup once more for the United.
Cinderford United team:
Tom Law, Nathan Green, Rob Winchle, Alan Bryan (capt), Harrison Yorke, James Moffat, Ollie Whiting, Joe Smart, Sam Baker, Jake Drinkwater, Roger Birkin, Sam Morse, Will Hodgetts, Matt Allcock, Jack Shields
Replacements: Danny Pointon, Michael Davies, Marcus Brown.