Cinderford slipped to a narrow defeat in a thrilling encounter in front of a large crowd at Plymouth Albion’s Brickfield ground.
The match got underway with the visitors putting the home side under some early pressure and after a couple of near misses an attacking lineout saw hooker Nathan Taylor driven over the line for the opening score, which Mike Austin converted. The home team responded well and when the ball was quickly recycled and swiftly sent out wide for Tom Putt to score an unconverted try. The match continued to be well contested between the two well matched teams, but it was Plymouth who edged into the lead when No8 Herbie Stupple forced his way after 35 minutes of play. Cinderford returned to the attack however and just before the half-time whistle Austin was on target with a penalty to level up the scores at 10-10.
The second half was equally well contested with the defences of both teams tested to the limit and appeared that a draw might be the eventual outcome, but a kick ahead by the visitors was returned at pace by the home side and man of the match Putt sped over for his second try, which he also converted. The Forest side pressed hard in the closing stages for a match levelling score but they were unable to find a way through and Albion were able to celebrate their victory at the final whistle.
Cinderford; Morgan Adderly-Jones, Will Baldwin, George Gladding, Jamie Forrester, Will Hendy, George Boulton, Mike Austin, George Porter, Nathan Taylor, Shaun Knight, Dan Hodge, Jack Shields, Jonny Holliday, Dec Fissenden, Harry Hone (Capt.)
Repls; Tim Brockett, Sam Baker, Matt Bennett, George Angell, Jimmy Williams.