Cinderford fell just short in a remarkable 107-point, seventeen-try spectacle at Bell Sports & Rugby Park, as Loughborough Students edged a breathless contest 57–50.
The visitors struck early, needing just two minutes to open the scoring as Seb Rodriguez-Davies capitalised on a defensive gap, with Ben Webb adding the extras.
Cinderford responded immediately. A powerful scrum allowed Reilly Scriven to peel off and score, with Jack Condliffeconverting to level matters.
Loughborough then surged ahead with two quick-fire tries from Elis James and George Worthington, stretching the score to 19–7. But the home side hit back through Josh Horrobin, again converted by Condliffe, before Reeve Brightycrashed over to give Cinderford the lead for the first time.
That advantage was short-lived as James crossed for his second, but the momentum continued to swing. Sam Smithfinished well in the corner to level the game once more, before Nathan Taylor powered over from a driving maul to give Cinderford a narrow lead.
However, Loughborough had the final say in a frantic first half, with Worthington grabbing his second to edge the visitors ahead 33–31 at the break.
The second half picked up where the first left off. Brendan Llewelyn put Cinderford back in front with a try in the corner, only for James to complete his hat-trick and swing the lead again.
Jake Polledri restored Cinderford’s advantage, but Loughborough responded through Henry Bonetti, reducing the gap to just two points.
Scriven then crossed for his second of the afternoon to give the hosts breathing room, but the visitors refused to go away. Louis Nancekivell levelled the scores at 50–50, before Worthington completed his own hat-trick to put Loughborough back in front, with Webb converting.
Cinderford pushed hard in the closing stages, throwing everything at the visitors in search of a late winner, but Loughborough held firm to secure a dramatic victory.
Scorers
Cinderford:
Tries: Scriven (7, 63), Horrobin (17), Brighty (22), Smith (26), Taylor (35), Llewelyn (42), Polledri (53)
Conversions: Condliffe (7, 17, 22, 36, 63)
Loughborough Students:
Tries: Rodriguez-Davies (3), James (9, 25, 44), Worthington (12, 38, 67), Bonetti (60), Nancekivell (64)
Conversions: Webb (3, 13, 25, 45, 60, 68)
Photo credit: Kairos Sports Photography