Cinderford 43 – Hinckley 40
(National League Rugby)
Cinderford edged a thrilling encounter at The Bell Sports & Rugby Park with a last-gasp try from prop James Elliot, who fittingly marked his 150th appearance for the club by sealing a dramatic victory over a resilient Hinckley side.
The hosts struck first on 15 minutes when winger Sam Smith sprinted from inside his own half to score a superb solo try in the corner, with Sonny Greenman adding the conversion. Hinckley responded quickly, as Jamie Dutton intercepted a pass to score, before Will Callan crossed the line to put the visitors ahead — Rory Vowles converting.
A Greenman penalty nudged Cinderford back in front, and centre Morgan Davies powered over from a driving maul soon after, with Greenman again on target. Hinckley hit back with a near-identical score from Dale Bowyer, converted by Vowles, to make it 17-19 at half-time.
Cinderford began the second half with intent — Will Anderson’s early try reclaimed the lead before Smith grabbed his second of the afternoon under the posts, Greenman converting to extend the advantage.
But Hinckley refused to go away, as Mitchell Lamb and Callan (with a classy chip-and-chase for his second) turned the game once more, both converted by Vowles, giving the visitors a 33-29 lead.
The momentum swung again when Elliot scored his first try from a powerful lineout drive, Greenman converting, only for Callan to complete his hat-trick moments later — Vowles’ conversion restoring Hinckley’s lead.
However, with the clock running down, Cinderford dug deep. From another dominant maul, Elliot crashed over for his second try to spark celebrations around The Bell. Greenman’s conversion sealed a pulsating 43–40 victory for the Foresters.
Cinderford Scorers:
Tries: Smith (15, 46), Davies (35), Anderson (41), Elliot (67, 77)
Conversions: Greenman (5)
Penalties: Greenman (1)