A converted try three minutes from time by Carwyn Penny completed a thrilling comeback victory for Cinderford, after they had trailed Worthing Raiders 24-7 with just over half an hour of the match played.
The visitors made a dreadful start to the game, and the home side took full advantage of their opponents lethargy to score two unconverted tries in the opening five minutes, with flanker Johnathan Dawe going over twice. Cinderford responded with a try from Matt Lane, which James Moffat converted, but the Raiders hit back in fine style with their forwards and backs combining to put winger Jack Maslen over for a try, which Jack Forrest converted.
More good play from the hosts saw them secure the try bonus point, when Maslen raced over for his second, again converted by Forrest. The visitors kept themselves in contention when the impressive Lane scored his second try just before the interval.
Moffat and Forrest then exchanged penalties in the opening stages of the second-half, before Cinderford reduced the deficit further when a strong passage of play created an opening for centre Rob Winchle to score a try, with Moffat adding the extras. The visitors dominated territory and possession in the final quarter, but they were frustrated by some stubborn defence and a few decisions going against them that allowed the Raiders to clear their lines.
Eventually though the pressure told and after numerous phases of play Penny was released to score the decisive try, which replacement Liam Hemming converted to edge Cinderford in front, a lead they maintained at the final whistle as their opponents settled for two points.
Cinderford; James Moffat, Kai Little, Rob Winchle, Sam Goatley, Ed Bogue, Carwyn Penny, Alex Frame, Joe Smart (Capt.), Nathan Taylor, Tim Brockett, Jack Shields, Dale Lemon, Matt Lane, Aaron Hinkley, Harry Hone.
Replacements; Dino Dallavalle, George Porter, Dan Broady, Liam Hemming, Jimmy Williams.