Sat 25 Feb 2023
Longlevens came into this game with a strong side and confidence following the last two results. Finishing second and gaining promotion is still the number one aim and taking at least a point from this game would have ensured that possibility was still in their hands, as it now stands the Griffins are relying on other teams to drop points.
With the logistical conundrum of playing at a different venue to where they change the boys responded well with a tidy and professional warm up, however the game didn’t start that way as Cinderford got of to a flier with a try inside the first minute. From a shortened line out on the right they moved the ball to the centre of the pitch and hit their strong running number 8. He made a great break and offloaded to a support runner to score, 7-0.
This seemed to rattle Longlevens and Cinderford took full advantage, playing with precision and pace. This pressure resulted in penalties being given away and enabled Cindy to make territorial gains. They were dominant in the scrum at this point and another try soon came by way of their centre crashing under the posts, 14-0.
To their credit the Griffins took stock and gained a foothold in the game. They launched wave after wave of attack and were unlucky not to get anything from them. After 25 minutes though they were able to get on the score sheet through Dave Edwards. A penalty kick to the corner set up a line out 5m out and from the second phase Edwards was able to break a tackle and power over for a score 14-7. They very nearly got another try before half time with Matt Smith beating his man with the line beckoning, only for the ball to get knocked out of his hands, half time 14-7.
After weathering the storm early on Longlevens were still in the game and it was a relatively even affair. However, the first half started the same way as they second as Cinderford scored after the first minute. The ball was received well from the kick off but was then ripped in contact and spun right for the winger to scorch over, 19-7.
The Griffin were still battling away and managed to get back within five points following a well worked try. A line out on the left was won and moved in field, hitting James Winson on a good line for him to break tackles and speed in under the posts, 19-14. With the game poised it was at this point that Cinderford pulled away. They scored again five minutes later, moving wide left and soon after killed the game off with another try and a penalty, 36-14. Longlevens battled away until the end, chasing that losing bonus point, but to no avail. Credit to Cinderford, they don’t make many mistakes and are a well drilled side.
Longlevens now need to ensure they gain maximum points from their remaining four games and hope that Burnham drop at least a point. With their superior points difference that should be enough to finish in that all important second position.
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