Chester 46 – 37 Cinderford
Cinderford put in a thrilling performance but came up short in a 13-try spectacle on their first-ever visit to Chester’s Hare Lane ground.
The game started with an early missed penalty from Chester’s Sam Earl-Jones, but Cinderford struck first through hooker Nathan Taylor, who scored two tries from powerful driving mauls within five minutes. Both attempts went unconverted, but they set the tone for a pulsating contest.
Chester responded through Louis Beer, before Taylor completed his hat-trick after 27 minutes, giving Cinderford a commanding early advantage. The hosts hit back with a try from No8 Jared Williams, which Earl-Jones converted – only for him to see red shortly afterwards for a dangerous tackle.
Cinderford extended their lead with a try from centre Hugo Murray, though it went unconverted. Chester closed the gap right on the half-time whistle when Beer grabbed his second try, converted by Earl-Jones, leaving the scores 19-20 at the break.
The second half saw Chester take control. Beer completed his hat-trick, and Harrison Vare scored his team’s fifth try, with both converted by Earl-Jones. A penalty from Earl-Jones put the hosts 36-20 up after an hour.
Cinderford refused to go quietly. Winger Sam Smith crossed the line, with Sonny Greenman converting, and he added a penalty as the visitors opted not to push for the corner. Chester quickly replied with a try from Ben Ivory, followed by Vare’s second score, both converted, putting the result beyond doubt.
Cinderford’s Reilly Scriven added a late consolation try, converted by Greenman, but Chester held on for a 46-37 victoryin a match full of attacking rugby, drama, and unforgettable moments.
It was a valiant effort from Cinderford, showing plenty of heart and attacking flair, and plenty to build on for the rest of the season.