After a hugely encouraging display at Pontypridd, Cinderford continued their preparations for the new season with another narrow defeat to Hartpury. The home team were in the ascendancy in the early stages and probably should have scored more than an individual effort from Harry Johnson, who followed up his kick ahead to claim an unconverted try.
The second session saw Cinderford continue to press forward and Tom Samak forced his way over to make it 10-0. The momentum of the match changed completely soon afterwards when the visitors intercepted and raced clear to score under the posts. Hartpury took control after this moving the ball wide at speed and using the pace of their wingers to good effect to add three further tries.
Cinderford rallied well in the closing stages and Luke Woodall was awarded a try, which Johnson converted to narrow the gap, but they were unable to get any closer.