Cinderford restored some pride after last week’s shock defeat at home to Sedgley Park with a battling performance at Ealing. However 15 unanswered second-half points gave the Londoners the victory they needed to be crowned champions of National League One and earn them promotion to the Championship.
A drop-goal from Ben Ward and a Tom Wheatcroft penalty gave the home side an early advantage. Cinderford hit back though when centre Jack Adams intercepted on his own 22 and just had the legs to score a try which Mark Davies converted. The visitors then enjoyed a long spell of pressure near their opponents try line and eventually Will Foden forced his way over, with Davies adding the extras. Ealing replied with a well taken try from Ronnie Mclean-Dents which Wheatcroft converted. Right on the stroke of half-time Davies landed a penalty to give his team a 17-13 advantage at the interval.
Wheatcroft brought Ealing to within a point with his second penalty soon after the re-start, as the rain continued to pour down, and when Foden was yellow carded the home side took advantage of the extra man when No8 Matt Evans touched down with Wheatcroft converting. Cinderford continued to pose their opponents plenty of problems but just when it looked like they would claim at least the losing bonus point that their efforts deserved, winger Andrew Henderson went over for an unconverted try in the corner to start the celebrations for the home side.
CINDERFORD: M Wilcox, N Codlin, J Adams, D Scourfield, L Stapleton (C Hawkins, 73), M Davies, A Frame, C Bundy (J Smart, 73), T Bozzard (S Bailey, 60), N Selway, B West, D Critchley, L Allen (J.Garner 75), W Foden (capt), G Evans. Replacement not used; S.Hawley.