Cinderford scored six converted tries as they picked up a first-ever victory at Molesey Road, the home of Esher RFC. The visitors found themselves trailing 10-0 and then 17-7 in the first half, but they recovered to lead 21-17 at half-time and a three-try burst in the third quarter of the match earned them a bonus point victory.
The home side were soon on the attack and Sam Morley opened the scoring with a penalty, before he converted a well taken try from Myles Rawston-Rudd. Cinderford hit back when Joe Mullis gained possession and put Mike Austin away to score a try, which he also converted. Back came Esher and Sam Bullock nipped over for his team’s second try, which Morley converted. The Foresters responded well, and the lively Mullis cut the deficit with a try that Austin converted. Then right on the half-time whistle a strong carry by Harry Hone saw him put Will Hendy away to sprint clear under the posts, with Austin again on target with the conversion.
Morley reduced the lead to a single point at 20-21 with his second penalty as the second half got underway, but Cinderford soon took control with three further tries. The first came from a trademark catch and drive with hooker Nathan Taylor going over, then replacement second-row Tyler Jerrum showed good strength to force his way over the line. Some quick hands then released George Boulton for try number six, all of which were converted by Austin.
Esher pressed hard in the closing stages to secure something from the match, but they were unable to breach their opponents defence until prop Nathan Jibulu scored an unconverted try five minutes from time to complete the scoring.
Cinderford; Will Gilderson, Will Baldwin, Morgan Adderly-Jones, George Boulton, Will Hendy, Mike Wilcox, Mike Austin, George Porter, Nathan Taylor, Shaun Knight, Dan Hodge, Jonny Holliday, Matt Lane, Joe Mullis, Harry Hone (Capt.)
Replacements; Alex Chalkin, Will Haly, Tyler Jerrum, Aaron Ryan, Jimmy Williams.