It was very much home comforts for Cinderford, who after two heavy defeats on the road bounced back to their best to overcome the challenge of National One high-fliers Plymouth Albion.
Both side’s attacking play struggled to get going with a scoreless opening 20 minutes as both sides cancelled each other out consistently around the halfway line, with some incredible defence on show.
It was the home side who broke the deadlock with scrum-half Tom Knight taking a quick penalty on Plymouth’s 5-metre line to score a try which was converted by his half-back partner Joe Winfield.
Cinderford’s attack came to life and continued to impress for the remainder of the first half with a second try from flanker Joe Mullis, shortly followed by a drop goal from Joe Winfield that left the travelling side with a 17-point deficit to overcome.
The second half started just as the first did with both sides struggling to get points on the board, before Cinderford’s Winfield eventually added three more points to their tally to extend their lead to 20 by way of a penalty.
Changes to both teams at last saw Plymouth pushing hard in the later stages of the game and they scored two tries through lock Hallam Chapman and winger Seta Raumakita, with Tom Putt adding a conversion.
However, the late rejuvenation of energy and attacking prowess by the away team was not enough to challenge the home side, who ended the match deserving winners.
This really was an outstanding performance by the Forest team, with their defensive lines and total commitment impressing throughout. They can now go into a two week break with renewed vigour and look forward to the challenges that lay ahead.
Cinderford; Mike Wilcox, Matthew Jones, Will Baldwin, Jamie Forrester, Mason Tonks, Joe Winfield, Tom Knight, Harry Edwards, Nathan Taylor, Shaun Knight, Charlie Rice, Callum Thompson, Tyler Jerrum (Capt.), Joe Mullis, George Evans.
Repls; George Porter, James Elliot, Paddy Pearce, Tom Anderson, Jimmy Williams.