Awesome Cinderford race clear at the top
PAUL Morris said he was “in awe” of his Cinderford players after the league leaders continued their march to the title with victory at secondplaced Chinnor.
In a match which will go a long way to deciding the title, the away side – who are now nine points clear at the top – controlled the match from beginning to end.
Chinnor scored a late consolation try but Cinderford had already scored four by then and Morris insists he cannot believe how well his side are playing.
“It was a fantastic game of rugby. They have our regard for them and everyone connected with the club,” he said.
“We came here to do a professional job and were deserved winners. I am totally in awe of my players and our supporters.”
The wind was an important factor in the first half and Chinnor did not take advantage of it being in their favour – with Cinderford settling far quicker.
The Cinderford defence, full of adrenaline, hustled the Chinnor backs in possession and caused all kinds of problems – which led to the first try of the match.
They ripped the ball from them just outside of the 22 and it fell to Fijian centre Reuben Norville, who crossed to score.
Chinnor, stunned by that early score, quickly replied when they got their backs into the game as a floated pass from Jonny Bentley fell for Kieran Goss to swoop in customary fashion close to the posts.
Fly-half Bentley put them ahead with a measured kick and the home crowd finally had something to cheer about.
After that, Chinnor had much possession but a suc-
cession of handling errors cost them dearly when applying pressure on the Cinderford line. It was a theme all afternoon and ultimately lead to the home side’s downfall.
And they were punished shortly before half-time, Cinderford looked to utilise their rolling maul and finally went over for a try which Terence Barbarinsa touched down.
In the second half Cinderford controlled play and scored two further tries with the first being dotted down by Matthew Lane following some good work.
They had their tails up and sensed they could run away with it, and Chinnor were unable to cope with their intensity at the breakdown and in possession.
Most sides in a big game would settle for a comfortable lead.
But Cinderford sealed their bonus-point try through captain George Porter.
Chinnor scored late on from a fine break by Mike McDonald which put Phil Chesters clean through but it was too little too late.
“The best team deserved to win,” said director of rugby Matt Williams.
“They hit us with what we expected and it was difficult to defend their barrage of forward runners. Errors cost us.”