Cinderford missed the chance to move themselves clear of the relegation zone in National League One as they slipped to a narrow defeat at Leicester Lions.
Making their first visit to Westleigh Park for 32 years the Foresters went behind after 15 minutes when Charlie Myall scored a try for the home side, which Dan Lewis converted. The visitors levelled up the scores when they drove forward from a 5m lineout and Joe Mullis forced his way over, with Joe Winfield converting. Lewis regained the lead for the Lions with a penalty, but right on the half-time whistle Cinderford took the lead when Nathan Taylor was on hand to claim the try from another from lineout catch and drive, with Winfield converting.
Lions were soon back in front as they began the second half in determined fashion, when a kick ahead and chase resulted in a try for Toby Cousins, which Lewis converted. Winfield and Lewis then exchanged penalties, before the Cinderford outside-half landed his second kick at goal to level it up at 20-20 after 70 minutes of play. However, it was the home team who scored the try of the match when they broke away from their own 22 to score an unconverted try and despite some late pressure from their opponents, they were able to close out the game and celebrate a much-needed victory.
Cinderford; James Forrester, Will Hendy, Charlie Powell, Will Baldwin, Matthew Jones, Joe Winfield, Tom Knight, George Porter, Nathan Taylor, Shaun Knight, Tyler Jerrum (C), Callum Thompson, Jack Shields, Joe Mullis, George Evans.
Repls; Harry Edwards, James Elliot, Danny Hodge, Tom Anderson, Jimmy Williams.