Cinderford narrowly kept out Taunton Titans in 38-36 thriller to remain unbeaten at home.
An incredible second half comeback by Cinderford gave them a narrow 38-36 win over away side Taunton Titans. Cinderford remain unbeaten at home this season, with their first loss looking possible early on as they trailed by 12 points at half time, with tries from Taunton’s Ratu Vakalutukali, an interception by fly-half George Worboys and second-row Samuel Leworthy, which were all converted by Worboys, who also picked up another three points from a penalty kick along the way. Despite excellent defence by Taunton, Cinderford got some points on the board early on, with tries from Will Hendy and George Boulton who produced an enormous shove on a defender before crossing the white line, both were converted by scrum-half Michael Austin.
Cinderford came out with more determination in the second half, whilst also looking to keep their penalty count to a minimum after receiving a yellow card to James Forrester. The referee later gave another yellow out to Taunton’s Frankie Read. Tries came early on in the second half from Cinderford’s Harry Hone and James Forrester just minutes later, both were converted by Austin as Cinderford took a two-point lead. Cinderford had two more tries in the second half, coming from full back Morgan Adderley-Jones and substitute Jimmy Williams, with just one of these converted to close out the home side’s points.
Taunton came back with a second try from Ratu Vakalutukali which was converted, and a last-ditch effort by Shai Bonnick in the final minute of play, bringing them within two points of their home opposition. However, the touchline conversion attempt drifted wide which means that Cinderford move back into 5th place in National One, while the visitors earned two well-deserved points in their battle against any threat of relegation.
Cinderford; Morgan Adderley-Jones, Mason Tonks, Jamie Forrester, George Boulton, Will Hendy, Mike Wilcox, Mike Austin, George Porter, Will Haly, Shaun
Knight, Tyler Jerrum, Jack Shields, George Angell, Dec Fissenden, Harry Hone (Capt.)
Repls; Tim Brocket, Harry Edwards, Danny Hodge, Will Baldwin, Jimmy Williams.