In form Cinderford won their fourth game in a row and avenged an early season defeat as they beat Taunton Titans in a cracking National League Two South encounter.
James Moffat put the visitors ahead with an early penalty, but for the majority of the first-half it was the home side who were on top, with only some superb tackling keeping the Cinderford line intact. Matt Lane and then Jack Shields were both shown yellow cards for obstruction and eventually Taunton breached their opponents defence when centre Nick Mason crossed for an unconverted try. Cinderford quickly restored their advantage however when Reuben Norville scored a well taken try to give the visitors an 8-5 lead at the interval.
Shields was soon back in the action after the re-start when he finished off a strong passage of play from his forwards, with a try that Moffat converted. Back came Taunton though with a well executed try from Freddie Fraser, which went unconverted. The match continued to be played at a very high intensity between two totally committed sides, but it was Cinderford who were building some momentum and they recycled the ball through numerous phases before winger Sam Goatley went over for a try in the corner. Titans replacement Sam Prior was then shown a yellow card, but Moffat’s long range penalty just fell short.
The game was still in the balance going into the final ten minutes and it took a moment of individual skill from Cinderford outside-half Liam Hemming to swing it decisively in his side’s favour when he created an opening and accelerated clear through to score the bonus point try, which Moffat converted. There was still time for the home side to score again through prop Elliot Roofe, with Kingdom’s conversion giving them a losing bonus point, but it was Cinderford who were able to celebrate an excellent result.
Cinderford; James Moffat, Sam Goatley, Reuben Norville, Rob Winchle, Harry Robinson, Liam Hemming, Jimmy Williams, George Porter (Capt.), Joe Mullis, James Tideswell, Dale Lemon, Ed King, Jack Shields, Will Keenan, Matt Lane.
Replacements; Joe Smart, Jack Williams, Aaron Ryan, Danny Pointon, Harrison Yorke.