This top of the table clash proved to be every bit as tense and gripping as the predictions but it was the home side who ended Cinderford’s unbeaten record this season, however the visitors did gain two valuable points despite their defeat and remain top of National One, seven points ahead of Park who have a game in hand.
Reece Boughton gave Cinderford an early lead with a penalty, but Park soon responded with a try from No8 Hugo Ellis, which Craig Holland converted. Back came the Forest of Dean side and when Matt Lane charged down an attempted clearance, he put George Boulton away to score, with Boughton adding the extras. It was end to end stuff and the lead changed hands again when Dylan Flashman scored a well taken try before visiting hooker Nathan Taylor scored from a driving maul. Prop Nick Lovell put the home side back in front with another try, but right on the stroke of half-time Boulton went over for his second, which Boughton converted to give Cinderford a 24-19 lead at the interval.
The second-half saw Park gaining the initiative with further tries from Henry Spencer and a second from Ellis, both of which were converted by Holland. Cinderford were right back in it though when the referee awarded them a penalty try, however replacement Charles Piper went over for his side’s fifth try and despite some intense pressure from the visitors in the closing stages Park held on to claim their victory.
Cinderford; Mike Wilcox, Will Baldwin, Jamie Forrester, George Boulton, Will Hendy, Reece Boughton, Mike Austin, George Porter, Nathan Taylor, James Elliot, Tyler Jerrum, Joe Dancer, Matt Lane, Aaron Ryan, Harry Hone.
Repls; Tim Brockett, Jack Preece Joe Mullis, Jack Shields, Ed Sheldon.