CINDERFORD held their nerve in a remarkable 17-try contest as they edged Bournville 62-57 to claim five National League 2 West points on the road.

The hosts struck first, but Cinderford quickly responded through Mattie Cotton, with Joe Winfield converting, before Brendan Llewelyn crossed and Winfield added the extras for a 14-7 lead.

Andrew Smyth then grabbed his first try of the afternoon before Bournville reduced the deficit, only for Jake Polledri’s converted score to move Cinderford 26-14 ahead.

Smyth crossed again after 22 minutes and completed his hat-trick before half-time, although two Bournville scores ensured the visitors’ advantage was reduced to 38-26 at the interval.

There was little let-up after the restart as Winfield kicked a penalty, before Bournville responded with another try.

Jacob Perkins crossed for Cinderford and Winfield converted, but the hosts again hit back as the free-scoring contest continued.

Llewelyn’s second try, again converted by Winfield, gave Cinderford a 55-38 advantage, but Bournville refused to go away.

Successive home tries cut the gap to just five points at 55-50 with around five minutes remaining and left Cinderford facing a tense finish.

Callum Thompson provided the crucial response, crossing late on before Winfield’s conversion took the visitors to 62 points.

Bournville scored once more before the final whistle, but Cinderford held on for a dramatic 62-57 victory.

Director of Rugby Clive Stuart-Smith said he was pleased with the five-point return, but admitted improvements were needed.

He said Cinderford were becoming “more comfortable in attack each week” but warned their discipline had given Bournville too many opportunities and that the side would need to “significantly improve” defensively to compete consistently.

Smyth led the scoring with three tries, while Llewelyn claimed two. Cotton, Polledri, Perkins and Thompson also crossed, with Winfield finishing with seven conversions and a penalty overall.