National League One

Ealing 11

LEAGUE leaders Ealing were pushed all the way by a determined Cinderford, who came up short by the narrowest of margins.

An early up-and-under caused confusion in the Ealing back line and the ball bounced nicely into the hands of Cinderford winger Lloyd Stapleton, who sped over for an unconverted try.

Ealing's Tom Wheatcroft was on target with a penalty to make it 5-3 after six minutes play.

The game flowed from end to end with both defences looking strong. Cinderford captain Will Foden was shown a yellow card, but his side maintained their slender advantage into the break.

Ealing made a fast start to the second half and number eight Sam Shires crossed for their only try of the match.

Cinderford struck back with some excellent handling from the backs that released full-back Mike Wilcox for a second unconverted try in the corner.

On 57 minutes Ealing were awarded a penalty, which Wheatcroft slotted. It proved to be the winning kick.

Both teams had opportunities to score during the last quarter, but the defences remained firmly on top.

Cinderford winger Lloyd Stapleton said there was an air of frustration in the home dressing room after losing by a single point.

He said: "We had a good start and scored two tries to their one.

"The game was definitely winnable, we had a few opportunities but Ealing were disciplined and didn't give away too many penalties.

"I was convinced we'd get another chance in the last 5-10 minutes but Ealing did well to shut us out and we didn't really get in their 22.

"The main thing is we are really competing this year.

"We seem to do better against the top teams but it's such an incredibly tight division – I've never played in a league like it."

Cinderford: Mike Wilcox, Nev Codlin, Jack Adams, Rob Winchle, Lloyd Stapleton, Mark Davies (Stefan Hawley 69), Sam Arnott, James Brooks, Tom Bozzard (Stuart Bailey 40), Joe Smart, Ben West, Dale Critchley, Luke Allen, Will Foden (capt), Joe Garner. Other reps: Leigh Green, Dave McKee, Kai Done.