This is one that got away for the Reds, chances went begging in the first half and despite the stirring fight back they will know that this was a game they could have and probably should have won.

Reds kicked off on a beautiful sunny day in the Forest of Dean. Early possession went to the Reds and after a series of phases they earned a penalty which went gave them a line out 10 yards out but a not straight stopped their momentum. Two penalties later and Cinderford were on the Reds 22 and after multiple phases were met with a resolute defence they earned a penalty in front of the posts which McMahon popped over. A few minutes later following a Redruth goal line drop out another Cinderford penalty for a high tackle was slotted by McMahon to put the hosts 6-0 up after 11 mins. The hosts had their tails up and after another Redruth line out on halfway went wrong they burst through the middle. The scramble defence did its job but after a few phases Murray crashed over out wide for an unconverted try. The hosts were playing well and using the huge in goal areas to good effect, the Reds though were defending well. A good little chip over the top got the Reds into the hosts 22, the driving maul made good ground but the Reds conceded a penalty on the floor to allow the hosts to clear. Another line out in the 22 saw the Reds get to the Cinderford line but twice they failed to score due to knock-ons. Another chance from a line out in the 22 was lost due to a not straight. Suddenly after all that Redruth pressure Cinderford broke out of their 22 running the ball deep into Redruth territory, a number of phases followed with Southworth going over wide out for a try well converted by McMahon. 18-0 to the hosts on 27 mins. Cinderford had the better of the remainder of the half but were unable to add to their lead. The Reds went in at half time well behind on the scoreboard and knowing they would have to take their chances better in the second period to get back into the match.
Half-Time: Cinderford 18 – 0 Redruth

Things got even worse for the visitors before they got better in the second period. An early Reds 5 metre line out maul was held up. A great clearance got the hosts into the Reds half where they again turned over the Reds line out. A few minutes later a dropped pass on the 10 metre line gave the hosts a scrum and they kept the Reds in their own half. A Redruth pass was intercepted and although the Reds stopped the initial attack the phases piled up. Eventually Smith went over in the right hand corner for an unconverted try to put the home side 23 points to the good. The Reds were up against it and needed to show their character. They showed this immediately playing their best rugby of the game to put the home side under pressure. A penalty was put into touch 10 metres out. After a number of pick and goes the large frame of Jamie Prisk powered over under the posts for a try converted by Dean Wills. The Reds were 16 points behind going into the last quarter. A long clearance by Luke Johnson forced a goal line drop out. The Reds ran the ball back with purpose and after Jack King made good ground the ball was moved left and a long pass by Wills found Buzza who went over wide out for an unconverted try. It was now an 11 point game with 15 mins left to play. The Reds were now playing well and an attack that started deep in their own territory was finished well by Johnson who chipped over the last defender and won the race to the touchdown. Wills converted from wide out to make it a 4 point game going in to the last 7 mins. The Reds looked to be through for the winning try a few minutes later but an obstruction was spotted by the referee and the home side were awarded a penalty. This gave them field position and they were able to comfortable see out time.
Next week the Reds are back at home when they take on Clifton.

Cinderford
Tries: Murray, Southworth, Smith.
Conv: McMahon
Pens: McMahon (2)

Redruth
Tries: Prisk, Buzza, Johnson
Conv: Wills (2)