In an exhilarating back-and-forth National One clash at the Beavis Memorial Ground, Cinderford clinched a vital victory and completed the double over visitors Richmond.
Joe Winfield’s early penalty gave Cinderford the lead, but Richmond responded with a try from scrum-half Luc Jones, only for fly-half Alex Burrage to miss the conversion.
Winger Sam Smith quickly levelled the score with a converted try for Cinderford, with the extras added by fly-half Winfield. Richmond struck back through hooker Alex Post, with Burrage converting on this occasion.
Cinderford regained momentum with two successful penalty kicks from Winfield, before Will Baldwin extended their lead with a converted try to make it 23-12 at half-time.
Richmond started the second half strongly with a penalty and then closed the gap to one point with a try from Chidera Obonna, which was converted by Burrage.
Prop Ntinga Mpiko’s try put Richmond back into the lead, but Cinderford responded with a penalty try, with a yellow card given to Richmond’s prop Archie Maggs.
Alex O’Meara’s chip and successful chase over the Cinderford defensive line gave Richmond the lead again, but Cinderford quickly countered with a try by Harry Edwards to regain the narrow lead.
With minutes remaining, Winfield finalised the win for Cinderford with a drop goal, as well as adding to his perfect record from the tee to round off an outstanding performance from the home team.
Cinderford; Mike Wilcox, Sam Smith, Jake Shortland, Max Knight, Will Baldwin, Joe Winfield, Jimmy Williams, George Porter, Nathan Taylor, Alex Chalkin, Tyler Jerrum (Capt.), Callum Thompson, Jack Shields, Joe Mullis, Aaron Ryan.
Repls; Harry Edwards, Tim Brockett, George Angell, George Evans, Tom Knight.