Sat 17 Sep 2022, 15:00
A brilliant game of rugby saw Longlevens snatch victory in the 80th minute at Longford Lane.
It was the ultimate game of two halves, Cinderford dominating the scoring up to the 50th minute, with Longlevens staging an incredible fightback during the last 30 minutes.
Straight from the kick off Cindeford showed that they had one very good weapon in their locker. The ball was fielded by Jack Cuthbert, but he was bundled into touch just inside the Levens half. Cindy executed a catch and drive and put in a monster shift to drive all the way to the 5m line. Luckily no try was conceded this time, but it was a sign of things to come.
A couple of three pointers were shared during the tense first 10 minutes, before the catch and drive finally came good for Cindy. A penalty was conceded on the half way line and drilled to the corner. The set up was good and the inevitable try was scored, not converted, 3-8.
Longlevens then began to settle and established their game plan. The ball was moved into the wide channels but they just couldn’t find the last pass, butchering at least two good opportunities. Three more points came from the boot of Brad Wilkins bringing the score to 6-8, but Cinderford were then allowed to use their one and only weapon, the dreaded catch and drive. Another penalty was given away and torpedoed to touch, resulting in a scoring drive, this time converted, going in at half time 6-15.
The talk at half time was simple, do not conceded penalties that allow Cinderford to set up the drive, and be calmer in the red zone.
Longlevens started the half with great determination and moved the ball well. Cinderford were beginning to tire and holes were appearing. Going wide to the left a scoring chance presented itself. Cam Jones took a great pass and tried to loop the ball to Tom Barton, who should have been clear. However, the Cindy winger read the pass well and intercepted to sprint clear for a gut wrenching seven pointer, 6-22.
In previous years this would have made Longlevens crumble and the floodgates may have opened, but these men are made of sterner stuff and knew they were good enough to stage a comeback.
This started with a try from Brad Wilkins, who took a quick tap penalty near the line to catch Cindy unawares wide out, not converted, 11-22.
With their tails up Levens were now playing with confidence and were making regular yards through the Cinderford defence. Wilkins was again involved when he fizzed a long pass right to Henry York. York finished well in the corner to bring the score to 16-22.
The time was running out and despite chance after chance The Griffins couldn’t seem to get that all important score. Cinderford were using their experience well to see the clock out, playing short phases, waiting for the ref to shout time. The referee, who was excellent all day, saw an infringement from Cindy in the dying seconds and awarded a penalty. This was last chance saloon stuff from Levens and they knew only a converted try would win it. The ball was kept short near the posts and numerous plays were launched to try and get over. Up stepped Jack Cuthbert to take a pass right under the posts, taking three Cinderford players with him over the line to dot down to thunderous applause. All that remained was for Wilkins to convert the extras to secure an amazing comeback, 23-22.
This will have sent a message to the rest of the league and will give The Griffins the confidence to enter each game with no fear. This is a tough league with no easy games, but Longlevens should have every confidence of doing very well.
.png?v=638048213889410873){kind=link}