Former Gloucester and Italy international Jake Polledri was the standout star as Cinderford secured a dramatic 47-40 National 2 West victory over Chester in a thrilling match featuring 13 tries at Bell Sports & Rugby Park.
Chester got off to a quick start with Rhys Hamilton crossing early, converted by Sam Rogers. Cinderford responded swiftly with Polledri’s first try, converted by Sonny Greenman. The lead seesawed as Ben Ivory scored for Chester, matched again by Polledri, who went on to complete his hat-trick with Greenman’s precise boot bolstering the tally.
Chester fought back through Harry Craven, with Rogers adding the extras, but a quick Cinderford response saw Rio Ebanks score, pushing the half-time score to 28-21 in favor of the hosts.
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The second half continued at a frenetic pace. Nathan Taylor extended Cinderford’s lead, but Rogers soon sparked Chester’s reply. Polledri then claimed his fourth try, placing Cinderford in a strong position. Chester rallied with tries from Jared Williams and Louis Beer, Rogers leveling the score at 40-40.
In a nail-biting finish, Chester’s discipline waned, allowing Cinderford prop Oli Johnson to force over the winning try, converted by Greenman, sealing an unforgettable encounter.
Elsewhere, Hartpury and Richmond battled to a 7-7 draw in a rain-soaked Championship Rugby contest, while Lydney suffered a heavy 36-0 defeat to second-placed Topsham in Regional 1 South West, a performance director Sam Arnott described as their most disappointing of his tenure.
In Regional 1 Midlands, Newent rose to third after a convincing 39-22 win over Bromsgrove, overcoming multiple yellow cards with dynamic play led by Joe Warner and Will Hartland.
Drybrook fell 41-27 at Dudley Kingswinford despite spirited tries from Liam Harris and company, while Longlevens staged a remarkable late comeback to win 40-31 against North Dorset in Regional 2 Severn, powered by Matt Fatica’s brace and excellent kicking from Ed Glanville.
Further highlights included Old Centralians' defeat at Trowbridge, Cheltenham’s heavy loss to Chippenham, and significant wins for Stow, Gordon League, Old Bristolians, and others across county leagues.
In women’s rugby, Cheltenham Tigers II narrowly lost 41-7 at Launceston in the Women’s Championship South West II, while Hucclecote suffered a 36-5 defeat to Reading Kites.
The North Gloucestershire Combination Cups continue to take shape with key fixtures scheduled: Gordon League will host Longlevens in the Elite Cup first round on April 7, while Martin Slatter Cup and Glanville Cup matches follow in early April. In the Cheltenham Combination, several clubs prepare for the Senior, Junior, and Minor Cup battles set to conclude at Stow RFC on May 2.
Furthermore, the Forest of Dean Combination cups are progressing, with Newent set to host Cinderford in the Senior Cup and exciting Junior Cup clashes underway ahead of May Finals.
This weekend saw fierce contests and remarkable individual performances across Gloucestershire’s rugby leagues, signaling intense rugby action as the season approaches its climax.