Cinderford secured the point they required to ensure their place in National League One next season as they gave title chasing Old Elthamians a real tough challenge at College Meadow.
With the wind at their backs the visitors dominated possession and territory in the first-half and it was totally against the run of play when OE’s opened the scoring with a kick ahead and chase that resulted in a try for winger George Perkins. However, right on the stroke half-time the Forest side were finally rewarded for their efforts when a strong run and offload from Terence Babarinsa put his centre partner Jack Hayes over for a try, which Liam Hemming converted to give Cinderford a deserved lead at the interval.
The second-half saw the visitors continue to press forward and when their opponents were temporarily reduced to 13 men following two yellow cards Reuben Norville stepped inside the cover defence to score a try, which Hemming again converted. The home side finally started to gain some worthwhile possession and Tom White kicked a penalty before they regained the lead when the referee awarded them a penalty try. Late in the game home centre Kieran Moffat scored the decisive try, which White converted but there was still time for Hemming to kick a penalty and earn his team a well deserved losing bonus point.
Cinderford; Alex Frame, Ed Bogue, Terence Babarinsa, Jack Hayes, Reuben Norville, Liam Hemming, Ewan Fenley, George Porter (Capt.), Jack Preece, James Elliot, George Evans, Dale Lemon, Aaron Ryan, Dan Broady, Harry Hone.
Replacements; Dewi Wilcox, Joe Mullis, Lewis Beer, Tom Darby, Dan Pointon.