Cinderford Stags lifted the Forest of Dean Combination Minor Cup after a thrilling comeback victory over a gallant Ross-on-Wye team, who gave everything, but just came up short.

The match took place at Ross’ ground at Greytrees under the lights on Friday evening (May 15).

The first half saw the hosts taking their chances against wasteful opponents to build up a 22-7 lead after 30 minutes.

However, the Stags kept themselves in contention with a brace of tries from centre Liam Littleton, which were converted by Harley Thorpe, to make it 22-14 at the interval.

Ross soon extended their lead with an unconverted try as play resumed, and they looked well placed at this stage, but the Stags made a few changes as they attempted to launch their comeback.

It was one of their replacements, Toby Powell, who proved to be the game changer as he scored a hat-trick of tries, along with a further conversion from Thorpe, to turn the match around and start the celebrations for the Stags.

The win means that three of the four Combination Cups are in the Cinderford trophy cabinet this year.

In the other competitions, Cinderford Utd beat Newent Phoenix and Cinderford Colts overcame Berry Hill Colts.

Cinderford Stags: David Didcote (capt), Ethn Hopkins, Jake Drinkwater, Riley Walsh, Ben Mason, Layton Hopkins, Lewis Mason, James Taylor, vice-captain, Oscar Smith, Harley Thorpe, Adam Evans, Liam Littleton, Fin Gunter, Jordan Stuart, Jay Watkins. Replacements: Teigan Shockey, Jack Stephens, Rhys Powell, Toby Powell.

Ross-on-Wye: David Mince, Alfie Griffiths, Dylan Carroll, Tom Derrick, James Maisey, Pete Jarvis, Kieron Terry, Gavin Oates, Joe Pye, Ollie Thomas, Basil Parker, Max Roberts, Craig Thomas (capt), Cohen Frost, Tomas Mulhearn. Replacements: Tony Clements, Gary Pritchard, Riley Pritchard, Dan Pearson, Tom Muldowney.