CINDERFORD RFC began their pre-season preparations with a narrow 35-33 victory over Dings Crusaders in a high-scoring encounter on Saturday, August 15.

The warm-up fixture was played across three 25-minute periods, allowing head coach Clive Stuart-Smith to give valuable minutes to a large squad ahead of the new campaign.

Cinderford struck first when Sam Smith crossed and Joe Winfield converted, but Dings hit back with three scores to establish a 19-7 advantage.

The visitors responded before the first break as Tom Samak’s strong run helped create an opening for Jake Bailey, whose try was converted by Winfield to reduce the deficit to 19-14.

Cinderford took control during the second period, with Brendan Llewellyn producing an impressive individual score before Grady Alford added another try.

Winfield converted both to send Cinderford into the final session holding a 28-19 lead.

Dings refused to go away and two converted tries saw the Bristol side turn the game around again, moving 33-28 ahead and leaving Cinderford needing a late response.

That arrived through Jack Hall, who crossed for Cinderford’s fifth try to level the scores.

Alford then took responsibility from the tee and landed the decisive conversion to complete a 35-33 victory.

Stuart-Smith was pleased with the workout and the opportunity to involve his available players.

He said: “It was a brilliant opening hit out for us. All players that were fit and available got valuable game time against a quality Dings squad.

“The new players integrated in very well with a number showing how capable and versatile they were.

“We showed great composure in our final session to come away with a positive result and that will be a great springboard into our next block.”

The victory provided Cinderford with an encouraging first test as preparations continue for the competitive season ahead.