National League One

Wharfedale 23

LOCK Dale Critchley and scrum-half Alex Frame made superb starting debuts as Cinderford worked hard to overcome a Wharfedale side that refused to give up.

At various points in the match Cinderford looked in complete command, but the visitors were only one score behind when Jack Adams scored a late interception try.

The experienced 6ft 8in Critchley led from the front, taking charge at the line-out and making some big tackles in the loose.

Frame's display was even more notable as he made the massive step up from second-team rugby with aplomb following the late withdrawal of Dave Lewis, who was recalled by Gloucester to travel to Harlequins as a non-playing reserve.

The visitors opened the scoring when hooker Steve Graham went over for an unconverted try.

Mark Davies and Tom Davidson exchanged penalties before Cinderford hooker Tom Bozzard touched down from a line-out catch and drive, with Davies adding the conversion.

When the ball was moved to the blindside home full-back Mike Wilcox put winger Lloyd Stapleton away for a try in the corner to make it 15-8 after 26 minutes.

It took a terrific tackle from scrum-half Frame to deny Dan Solomi a try for the visitors. Cinderford scored again just before half-time through winger Sam Caven, who burst through a gap in midfield after a spell of home pressure.

The second half was often scrappy but Simon Horsfall raced over in the corner to get Wharfedale back in the match.

The home side hit back when Davies charged down an attempted clearance for a try which he also converted.

Wharfedale were awarded a penalty-try after mauling their way to the opposition's line. Lloyd Davies added the conversion and a penalty to make it 29-23 with six minutes remaining.

Cinderford also lost replacement Nico Woodward to the sin-bin just minutes after joining the fray.

From the restart Cinderford kicked deep into the visitors half and a loose pass was intercepted by Jack Adams. He ran through to score under the posts, with Davies slotting the conversion.

Cinderford: Mike Wilcox, Sam Caven (Kai Done 66), Jack Adams, Rob Winchle, Lloyd Stapleton, Mark Davies, Alex Frame, James Brooks (Leigh Green 61), Tom Bozzard (Nico Woodward 66), Tom Heard, Ben West, Dale Critchley, Luke Allen (Ed King 72), Will Foden (capt), George Evans (Joe Garner 61).