Cinderford 40 Exeter University 32
Cinderford scored six tries to overcome a determined Exeter University side at Bell Sports & Rugby Park, although a late rally from the visitors ensured a closely contested finish.
The students struck first through hooker Henry Boggs, with Ollie Chandler-Sullivan adding the conversion. Cinderford replied through Brendan Llewelyn, whose try was converted by Joe Winfield.
Exeter regained the initiative when Rory Humphries crossed, with Chandler-Sullivan converting before adding a penalty to establish a 17–7 lead after 18 minutes.
Josh Horrobin’s try, converted by Winfield, reduced the deficit, but another Chandler-Sullivan penalty kept the visitors six points ahead.
Cinderford then finished the half strongly. Halen King crossed before Llewelyn claimed his second try, with Winfield converting both to give the hosts a 28–20 interval lead.
The home side carried that momentum into the second half. Mattie Cotton scored their fifth try before Jake Polledri added a sixth, converted by Winfield, to stretch the advantage to 40–20 after 58 minutes.
Exeter refused to concede the contest, however. Tries from Billy Benson and Alec Bagwell, together with another Chandler-Sullivan conversion, brought them back within eight points and secured a deserved try bonus point.
Cinderford held on for victory and head into a break from league action with positives to build on, alongside areas requiring attention. Their attacking play produced rewards, but defensive lapses and inconsistent lineout execution allowed Exeter opportunities to remain in the contest.
Head coach Clive Stuart-Smith welcomed the progress while acknowledging the need for greater consistency.
“Areas of our game were brilliant — it was pleasing to see us attack with such endeavour and score in a variety of ways.
“We did take a step forward from last week, understanding that we were facing a very different style of opposition.
“As a group, we are frustrated that we allowed Exeter back into the game, gifting them an opportunity to win in the last five minutes.
“It shows that we can’t afford to switch off against any side and must take our chances when we have them.
“We are under no illusions as to how tough our next block of games will be and will need to be well-prepared.”