Cinderford 19 Canterbury 24

A MUCH-changed Canterbury eased into the 2nd round of the EDF Energy National Trophy after a 24-19 win at Cinderford.

Both teams - who lie second and third in National League 3 South - rested some first-teamers for the cup tie, with Canterbury facing a tough trip to league leaders Mount's Bay on Saturday.

The pace and predatory instincts of wing Mike Melford brought him tries in each half while creative work by Sam Rasch and Blair Morris set up a third score for Wessel Wolmarans.

Rasch opened the scoring with a third-minute penalty, Melford then chased down an astute kick to grab a try in the left corner and Rasch’s fine conversion put his side ten points ahead within six minutes.

However the Gloucestershire side struck twice late in the half to secure a 12-10 lead at the interval.

After Cinderford turned the ball over after the break Melford kicked ahead and when he collected on half-way the chasers were never going to match his speed.

Rasch’s dummy then opened up a path on the left, Morris took his inside pass and Wolmarans used quickly-recycled ball to touch down. Rasch converted both tries and Canterbury were in the driving seat once more.

In the final quarter Cinderford had nearly all the territory and opportunities but only once found a way through the massed ranks of Canterbury tacklers with a converted try and the visitors held on for victory.