Cinderford U16s...................... 41

Minchinhampton U16s.............. 24

DESPITE a much better performance, Minch didn’t have quite enough to beat a big, strong and well drilled Cinderford side.

Cinderford started with intent and within the first five minutes they had pounced upon a fumbled Minch line out to send their winger over in the left-hand corner.

Minch responded well and a good solid ruck gave a platform for spring- heeled winger Dev Biddlecombe to make a fantastic break, which resulted in a penalty and captain Aiden Riley kicked to bring it back to 5-3.

Cinderford responded strongly and used a couple of phases to find space for their powerful no.8 to score in the corner,10-3.

This galvanised Mich who slowly started to gain an advantage in the tight.

A hook against the head allowed Minch to gather momentum and a fine driving ruck allowed Will Coles a rare opportunity to crash over for a real props try. Riley kicked the conversion to tie the game.

Minch then proceeded to try to open up the game but a handling mistake allowed an interception to give Cinderford an easy run in under the posts. The try was converted and Minch found themselves 17-10 down.

Minch reacted well and a strong platform from the kick off gave powerful winger James Clements enough space to back himself and run in a tremendous try which was well converted by Riley.

League leaders Cinderford used the break well - they changed their game plan with a conscious effort to get the ball out into the backs as soon as they could.

Minch had a definite advantage in the tight and Cinderford took advantage of some loose kicking and passing from Minch which allowed them to build a powerful 41-17 lead after some powerful back play and punishing runs from their centres.

The last play was from Minch who blasted from their own 22 with Clements finishing off a fine piece of solo work under the posts to allow Riley to kick a straightforward conversion.

Minch played well but were not quite good enough on the day.

STAR BOY James Clements.