Chard 25 Cinderford United 24
Cinderford United were denied victory by a controversial last-play penalty in the pouring rain at Chard. After a slow start which saw them trailing 12-0, the visitors hit back with two tries from impressive scrum-half Stan Underhill, a Sam Unsworth conversion and a penalty try. Chard went back in front with a converted try, before Underhill completed his ‘hat-trick’, only for his team to be denied at the death.
Cinderford Stags 10 – Cheltenham Saracens 14
Cinderford Stags started the game with strong intent, camping themselves in Cheltenham Saracens’ 22. Their first opportunity to score came from a penalty, but James Barrett missed the mark. The Saracens’ defense stood firm, and at 17 minutes, Reuben Hinds received his first yellow card of his rugby career. Soon after, Saracens had a chance to take the lead but also missed their penalty attempt. Cinderford regained composure and worked their way up the pitch, earning another penalty which James Barrett successfully converted, making it 3-0 to Cinderford. However, Cinderford, down to 14 men, couldn’t hold out much longer. Saracens capitalized on their numerical advantage and scored a try, taking the lead at 3-7. Just before halftime, Saracens increased the pressure and scored another try, extending their lead to 3-14 at the break.
The second half saw Cinderford come out with renewed vigor. Teigan Shockey turned over the ball, and Liam Bundleton spotted space down the blindside, delivering a backhand pass for Tom Ward to score in the corner. James Barrett brilliantly converted, narrowing the score to 10-14. However, Jon Cooke’s yellow card added to Cinderford’s woes. The remainder of the half consisted of mistakes from both sides, and despite Cinderford’s efforts, they couldn’t bridge the gap. The match concluded with Cheltenham Saracens emerging victorious at 14-10.
Cinderford Stags showed promise but acknowledged there is much to improve on. Many thanks to Cheltenham Saracens, and we look forward to the return fixture.
1- Ian Weyman 2- Damion Marshall 3- Ashley Macey 4- Ed Lawson 5- Henry Tilling 6- David Didcote 7- Liam Littleton 8- Shockey 9- Tom Ward 10- Jack Richards 11- Jack Walby 12- Neil Churchill 13- Reuben Hinds 14- Riley Brain 15- James Barrett 16- Billy Head 17- Jon Cooke 18- Jay Watkins