National League One

Esher 19

DESPITE a gutsy performance, Cinderford were unable to overcome an Esher side that boasts a 100% home record this season.

A strong run from home number eight Mike MacFarlane created the opening for scrum-half Ollie Frost to open the scoring in just the second minute.

The visitors hit back when centre Rob Winchle intercepted and raced away for a try.

Esher, a former Championship outfit, were in control for much of the first half and scored further tries through their skipper Ian Kench and Joe Brown, both of which were converted by Rob Kirby, to lead 19-5 at the interval.

Brown's effort was controversial, with Cinderford's players appealing for a forward pass and a knock-on. After consulting with his assistant, the referee awarded the try.

With the weather conditions worsening as the second-half progressed scoring opportunities became rare in a war of attrition.

Cinderford created a couple chances with attacking 5m line-outs, but on both occasions they lost the ball on their own throw.

It took the sin-binning of replacement hooker Stuart Bailey and a subsequent yellow card for Mark Davies to bring the match back to life as 13-man Cinderford put the home side under great pressure in the closing stages.

A knock-on denied them a try, but a terrific tackle from Will Foden saw the ball fall loose and replacement Sam Caven gathered it up to sprint clear and touch down.

An excellent conversion by Mike Wilcox gave the Foresters the consolation of a bonus point.

Cinderford: Mike Wilcox, Nev Codlin (Sam Caven 66), Jack Adams, Rob Winchle, Lloyd Stapleton, Mark Davies, Dave Lewis, Joe Smart (James Brooks 50), Tom Bozzard (Stuart Bailey 53), Tom Heard, Ben West, Dave McKee (Dale Critchley 50), Luke Allen, Will Foden (capt), George Evans (Joe Garner 66).

CINDERFORD United hammered Hinckley II 85-0. They ran in 13 tries through Ed King (3), Ben Sparks (2), George Tertois, Josh Hannam, Nico Woodward, Stef Hawley, Jack O'Connell, Dewi Scourfield, Liam Littleton and Danny Chappell.