National League One

Ampthill 47 Cinderford 14

ANY hopes Cinderford had of securing a victory to move them off the bottom of National One were blown away in the opening quarter of this match, with Ampthill racing into a 26-0 lead.

The visitors were repeatedly penalised by the referee and hardly touched the ball, as the defeat leaving them nine points from safety and Blaydon.

It was a result a million miles away from the home fixture, which ended in dramatic fashion when Ben Penfold’s injury time penalty kick struck the upright, denying Cinderford victory.

Before the match, the Foresters were boosted by the return of on-loan fly-half Callum Sheedy, who has all too often had a massive impact when stepping into the number 10 shirt.

But even Sheedy’s influence could not get Cinderford going. Elliot Reeder, George Elliot, Jonathan Morgan all touched down in open play for Ampthill, while number eight Maama Molitika finished off a line-out catch and drive. James Pritchard landed three of the conversions.

Cinderford regrouped and finally secured some possession, but it was an interception from centre Sam Hanks that brought them their opening try on the half hour, with Sheedy converting for what proved to be the final score of the first-half.

The home side scored their fifth try in the 54th minute, when Matt Burke touched down from another lin-eout catch and drive, with Pritchard again converting.

Cinderford quickly responded in similar fashion through replacement hooker Tom Bozzard, and Sheedy added the extras.

The final quarter saw both sides running the ball at every opportunity, but whereas Cinderford failed to capitalise on a couple of good scoring chances; Ampthill completed their victory with further tries from Darrel Dyer and Joe Tarrant, with a conversion apiece from Pritchard and Elliot.

Cinderford are now three points behind next -placed Wharfedale, who lost at home to Blaydon this weekend.

Cinderford: Mike Wilcox (capt), Lloyd Stapleton, Sam Hanks, Rob Winchle, Gary Dipple, Callum Sheedy, Alex Frame; Chris Bundy, Davy McGregor, Elliot Booley, Ed King, Milo Reynolds, George Mills, Marcus Brown, Matt Lane.

Replacements: Francisco Bruno, Tom Bozzard, Roger Birkin, Nev Codlin, Dan Pointon.