Cinderford go top as Albion slip up

By SAM JESS

Cinderford …………..36

Plymouth ……………. 12

CINDERFORD went top of the table as they kept up their unbeaten start with a hard-fought victory over Plymouth Albion at Beavis Memorial Ground.

After early penalties went the way of the Cinderford scrum, they took the lead with a try from the back of the maul by hooker Nathan Taylor. Further dominance in the scrum allowed a show-and-go by Reece Broughton to extend the lead.

Plymouth's sluggish start continued as another line-out led to a third Cinderford try, captain Harry Hone able to spin away from the back of a maul.

After a poor first half, Albion finally crossed the whitewash courtesy of a break by scrumhalf Henry Clement, making it 19-7 at halftime.

Spilling the ball in key positions kept Plymouth in check, while the hosts marched on with the try of the match by replacement Joe Dancer as he finished after a wonderful break by winger Will Hendy in the 65th minute.

After a yellow card for Plymouth winger Alex Ducker, Will Baldwin scored Cinderford's fifth and final try with a lovely step.

Then, after a patient build-up, quick hands down the blindside enabled Plymouth captain Herbie Stupple to score.