Match Report:
Cinderford produced a gritty and entertaining performance to secure a memorable 43–33 victory over Lymm, winning the first-ever meeting between the two clubs and handing the Cheshire side their first home defeat of the season at Crouchley Lane.
The visitors made the perfect start, striking early with a trademark lineout catch-and-drive that saw hooker Nathan Taylor power over for the opening try, converted by Sonny Greenman.
Lymm responded in emphatic fashion, showing exactly why they had been so strong on home soil this season. In a blistering nine-minute spell, tries from Callum Morris, Tom Manaton and James Pitcher, along with two conversions from Jack Reynolds, turned the game on its head and gave the hosts a 19–7 advantage.
Cinderford, however, showed real character. Using their dominance at the scrum to apply sustained pressure, they clawed their way back into the contest. Taylor crossed for his second, Greenman added the conversion, and a fine score from full-back Jack Condliffe brought the sides level at 19–19 by half-time.
The second half remained finely balanced, but it was Cinderford who struck first when Will Anderson finished off a well-worked move to put the visitors back in front. Lymm refused to go away, with Morris grabbing his second try of the afternoon, converted by Reynolds, before Condliffe replied with his own second score to edge Cinderford ahead once more.
Greenman then produced a moment of real quality, selling a sublime ‘show and go’ under the posts to score and convert his own try, extending the lead. Lymm kept the pressure on, with Pat Jennings crossing for their fifth try, again converted by Reynolds, setting up a tense final few minutes.
Cinderford had the final say. A brilliantly constructed team move ended with Sam Smith finishing in style, and Greenman’s conversion sealed a hard-earned and thoroughly deserved victory.
A strong all-round performance, built on forward power and clinical finishing, ensured Cinderford returned home with maximum points and a historic first win against Lymm.