A high penalty count cost Cinderford dearly as Rams bolstered their National One promotion challenge.

It was the visitors who took a firm grip with two tries by hooker Max Hayman from driving mauls in the first 10 minutes.

The high penalty count allowed Rams capitalised to score two more by half-time from full-back Zach Clow and flanker Ben Atkins. Fly-half Fraser Honey converted two of the four tries to give the Rams a 24-point lead.

Rams started the second half with a try by winger Charles Robson and the extras added by Honey.

The last half hour was much more competitive but the visitors were able to add one more through replacement prop Calum Scott.

With just minutes left Cinderford were able to avoid a whitewash with a try from Tom Knight which he then converted and they were awarded a penalty try in the final play for 14-38.

Cinderford: Mike Wilcox, Will Baldwin, Jake Shortland, Tom Samak, Max Knight, Joe Winfield, Jimmy Williams, George Porter, Tom Anderson, Alex Chalklin, Tyler Jerrum (Capt.), Callum Thompson, Jack Shields, Joe Mullis, Paddy Pearce.

Replacements: Harry Edwards, Nathan Taylor, George Angell, Dec Fissenden, Tom Knight.