Cinderford picked up a bonus point victory over Old Redcliffians on their first-ever visit to Scotland Lane.
The match was a highly entertaining affair that saw eleven tries scored, with the home backs a constant threat throughout, but it was visitors greater experience in the forwards that saw them home. Centre Rob Winchle scored the opening try of the match for Cinderford after nine minutes, with James Moffat landing the conversion. Old Reds soon responded when winger Henry Bird went over, with Jermaine Jones converting.
More good play from the hosts saw them take a 19-7 lead with Ethan Doyle scoring a converted try, before Bird added his second. A sustained spell of pressure from the visitors eventually led to prop Tim Brockett scoring from a lineout drive, with Moffat converting and they were back on level terms as half-time approached when fellow prop George Porter scored in similar fashion.
The Forest side were soon on the attack in the second-half and winger Kai Little went over for their bonus point try, which was again converted by Moffat. Back came Reds however and Sam Hewick scored his side’s fourth try, which Jones converted to level the scores again. Moffat continued his good kicking form when he nudged Cinderford back in front with a penalty, and then as his team began to get on top he converted a try from replacement prop James Elliot.
More pressure from the visitors resulted in an attempted clearance being charged down and a kick ahead saw Reuben Norville win the chase to touch the ball down, Moffat again adding the extras. There was still time for the Reds to score again through James Clements, but Cinderford had done enough to claim the five points and move up into second place in National League 2 South.
Cinderford; James Moffat, Kai Little, Terence Babarinsa, Rob Winchle, Reuben Norville, Liam Hemming, Jimmy Williams, George Porter (Capt.), Nathan Taylor, Tim Brockett, George Evans, Roger Birkin, Matt Lane, Lewis Beer, Harry Hone.
Replacements; Joe Smart, James Elliot, Jack Shields, Aaron Hinkley, Clive Stuart-Smith.