A much-changed Cinderford team made the unexpected return journey to Leeds and emerged with huge credit for their performance that saw them built up a healthy 24-5 lead at the interval, but they conceded a couple of late tries to deny them a victory.
There were three debutants in the Foresters starting line-up Matty Williams, Toby Powell and Dec Fissenden with a fourth Harry Edwards coming on as a replacement. The visitors were quickly into their stride with hooker Nathan Taylor scoring a try from a powerful driving maul, with Mike Austin landing the conversion. James Magee responded with an unconverted try from the home team, before Cinderford took control as Sam Baker who was playing in an unaccustomed role on the wing scored and then Taylor went over for his second and his 28th of the season, which meant he ended as the highest try scorer in National One this season. Just before half-time Austin who was outstanding throughout scored and converted his own try to leave his team well-placed at half-time.
The second half began with a try for the hosts from Andrew Lawson, but Austin soon replied with his second as he outpaced the home defence for an excellent score. Leeds responded well with a second try from Magee, which Connor Lloyd converted and then replacement prop Dom Hardman rumbled over. Austin landed a penalty to make it 32-22 after 66 minutes of play, but the hosts scored two further tries in the closing stages through Adi Adamakin and Will Smith to snatch a draw.
Cinderford; Mike Austin, Will Hendy, Will Baldwin, Dec Fissenden, Sam Baker, Jimmy Williams, Matty Williams, George Porter, Nathan Taylor, Tim Brockett, Tyler Jerrum, Toby Powell, Aaron Ryan (Capt.), Matt Bennett, George Angell.
Repls; Joe Smart, Alex Chalklin, George Evans, Harry Edwards, Jack Preece.