National One league leaders Ealing gained a bonus point victory over Cinderford, but the visitors competed well throughout and the score line could have been much closer had they not gifted two tries to their opponents.
On the home side’s new 4G pitch the teams were very evenly matched in the opening quarter before Ealing opened the scoring when Sean O’Connell just managed to get the over the try-line with Matt Jarvis converting. Cinderford were quick to respond when a well- executed lineout catch and drive took the ball up to their opponents line and scrum-half Danny Pointon showed good vision to spot winger Henry Bird in space and he touched down for an unconverted try. Both sides showed good attacking intent in the remainder of the half, but disaster struck for Cinderford right on the half-time whistle when Ealing’s prolific try scoring winger Phil Chesters intercepted a loose pass and raced clear to score, with Jarvis converting.
The visitors had a chance to reduce the arrears ten minutes into the second-half, however Mark Davies was off target with his penalty attempt. Pressure began to build on Cinderford try-line and a scrummage 5m out was to last several minutes, with visiting prop Joe Smart shown a yellow card, before eventually a clever reverse pass put centre Tom Wheatcroft through for a try which Jarvis again converted. More pressure from Ealing then saw a kick charged down and Chesters strode over for the bonus point try. Jarvis maintained his 100% kicking record with the conversion.
Cinderford kept going to the end and scored a well deserved second try, when replacement hooker Luke Cole followed up a strong run from Lance Randell to score, with Davies converting.
Cinderford RFC: Mike Wilcox (Capt.), Henry Bird, Sam Hanks, Charlie Norman, Sam Baker, Mark Davies, Dan Pointon, Joe Smart, Sam Wilkes, Elliot Booley, Lance Randall, Roger Birkin, George Mills, Chris McNeil, George Evans.
Replacements all used: James Brooks , Luke Cole, Milo Reynolds, Stef Hawley, Alex Frame.