The first-ever meeting between these two teams went the way of Cinderford, who ended the National League One newcomers long unbeaten run at a hot and sunny Beavis Memorial ground.
Both teams had won their opening games last week, so something had to give and ultimately it was the home team’s superior scrummaging that won them the day. Cinderford opened the scoring when a strong run from centre Will Baldwin set up the opening try for winger Mason Tonks, which Joe Winfield converted. The visitors responded with a well-executed lineout drive which resulted in a try for their No8 Nick Cairns, with Dan Lewis converting. Pressure near the Lions try-line saw them concede a penalty as half-time approached and Winfield landed the kick to make it 10-7 at the interval.
Winfield added another penalty early in the second half to stretch the lead, but Lions once again responded with a second try from Simon Koroiyadi, which Lewis converted. Lewis was on target again with a penalty after 54 minutes to make it 13-17, but this time it was Cinderford who responded with a second try for Tonks after a line break by Mike Wilcox, with Winfield adding the extras. A third penalty from Winfield put the home side further ahead and despite a lot of pressure from the visitors towards the end of the match the Foresters held firm to claim a hard-earned victory.
Cinderford; Mike Wilcox, Mason Tonks, Will Baldwin, Jamie Forrester, Will Hendy, Joe Winfield, Tom Knight, Harry Edwards, Nathan Taylor, Shaun Knight, Dan Hodge, Callum Thompson, Dec Fissenden, Joe Mullis, Tyler Jerrum (Capt.)
Repls; Joe Smart, James Elliot, Tom Anderson, Jonny Holliday, Jimmy Williams.