CRFC U16s vs Hucclecote U16s_County Cup FINAL_25April2010

GRFU County Cup FINAL 

 

Cinderford RFC U16        14

 

Hucclecote RFC U16       15

 

Hucclecote edged Cinderford by the slenderest of margins at 15-14 to win an ill tempered U16s County Cup Final on Sunday in which five yellow cards were shown to the players of both team (three to Hucclecote and two to Cinderford) and where the Hucclecote head coach Bob Fowkes was also red carded early in the second half and sent to the stands by match referee Tim Lawson. 

 
The match started more than twenty minutes behind schedule after an injury to a player in the previous age group final required an ambulance to be called to the player on the pitch.  When the game finally started, Hucclecote got off to a flyer; chasing down a hacked-on loose ball that took a wicked bounce to wrong foot the covering Cinderford defence and present a simple run in to the left of the posts for a converted try that gave the Gloucester side a 7-0 lead in only the second minute.  Hucclecote then extended their lead to 10-0 with a penalty in front of the posts in the tenth minute.  

 

Two minutes later, Cinderford’s Chance Ridler made a superb run up the left wing from inside his own half, jinking inside and outside the cover defence and outpacing everyone to race through and cross to score, 5-meters the left of the uprights.  Jack Hopkins added the extras to pull the deficit back to 10-7.

After twenty minutes of this testosterone fuelled match, tempers eventually boiled over on the pitch and Hucclecote saw two of their players yellow carded as a result. 

 

To their enormous credit, Hucclecote defended superbly with just thirteen players on the park but were stretched to the limit when quick handling across the Cinderford backs from left to right saw Adam Wilce draw the last defender and offload in contact to Tom Ward racing up in support on the outside, for Ward to collect the ball at pace and run in unopposed near the right corner flag to put Cinderford in front.  Cinderford’s outside half and man of the match Jack Hopkins then added a fine touchline conversion to make it 14-10 to Cinderford.    However, an unforced error by Cinderford at the restart gifted Hucclecote the opportunity to register an immediate response with an unconverted try in the left corner and a 15-14 lead nine minutes before half time.

 

Tempers frayed again early in the second half and a touchline incident brought to the attention of the referee by the Assistant referee led to the Hucclecote head being red carded.  Minutes later Hucclecote then saw another player, their third, sent to the sin bin, this time for a late tackle.   The Cinderford back row of Louis Overthrow, Luke Crunden and Kyle Frowen worked superbly in defence to contain the more intensive and abrasive running of the Hucclecote ball carriers.  No.8 Frowen had a particularly fine game in the contact areas, making some outstanding tackles and also in ripping the ball away from Huccelcote arms on a number of occasions to win valuable turnover ball for Cinderford.   

 

The scoreless second half was not a pretty affair to watch and became increasingly fractured by a continuous string of penalties and unforced errors by both sides, slowing down the tempo and stifling the game. Fifteen minutes from the end, Cinderford were awarded a penalty, 30 yards out on the right.  Jack Hopkins stepped up to strike the ball well and was desperately unlucky to see the ball strike the face of the left upright and rebound back into play and the score remained at 15-14. 

 

Ten minutes from time, Chance Ridler was yellow carded for an unnecessary late tackle, born out of frustration.  Then, seconds before the full time whistle, Jake Bonser was also sinned binned, for a seemingly inocuous infringement at a line out.  With the referee deciding that no time at all would be added for any stoppages or injuries during the second half, in order to pull back time for the following match scheduled, the game was blown up early and Hucclecote celebrated a hard fought cup victory they just about deserved.

 

 

 

Match Report & Photos: Simon Hawkins

 

 

…..

Cinderford u 14s 17 – u 14s Old Redingensians 10

Cinderford hosted   the Berkshire tourists in an entertaining encounter at Dockham Rd ,The Foresters started brightly winning several good phases of possession with winger Andrew Johnson making good ground ,the pressure was relieved when a poor pass saw the Reds ten make a good clearance kick , The Reds front jumper was impressive in the lineout all game and stole a Cinderford throw to set up a good position , a fine tackle from openside Harry Johnson stopped the attack centre Lee Turley made good ground , Cinderford battled up to the visitors 22 where a well rehearsed blind side scrum move saw Scrum half Hoult put winger Skelton over in the corner . From the kick off the visitors stormed back and their county winger squeezed over in the corner, the conversion went wide as the half time whistle went.

 

Once again the Forest front five who have rarely been bested this season were too much for the bigger visitors to handle , Tony Turley, Rhys Hopkins, Nathan Morgan , Zac Miles and Adam Marsh all outstanding  from a scrum Captain and number 8 Jack Shields stormed forward ,good hands from Kemp set flanker Johnson away for an early score .

Not to be out done Redingensians came back  to level the score , The Foresters rallied with centres Skipsey and Turley combing well to make a good ground , with the Davis brothers at 9 and 10  Cinderford looked dangerous when they moved the ball , More brothers were looking sharp with Dan and Guy Pearson both making good tackles ,Sam Jackson took the field usually a scrum half Jackson was pressed into service at flanker and had a fine game , replacement hooker Caine Harris took the field and slotted straight into the scrum well .. The next scrum saw Redingensians surge forward their fly half kicked ahead the ball was collected by full back AJ Jenkins who sliced through the defence he kicked ahead and centre Lee Turley collect the bouncing ball he then outpaced the defence to score under the posts, Charlie Davis converted to close out a good end of season victory .

CRFC
Rhys Hopkins,Tony Turley,Nathan Morgan,Adam Marsh ,Will Kemp,Harry Johnson,Jack Shields, Sam Jackson , Robson Skipsey , Charlie Davis, Mitch Skelton,Guy Pearson, Caine Harris , Andrew Hoult ,Dan Pearson  , Zac Miles ,Andrew Johnson ,Lee Turley

Cornish ALL Blacks Away Results

CORNISH ALL BLACKS 26 – 19 Cinderford RFC

FULL REPORT COMIG SOON

Pete Glanville retires from Cinderford

Pete Glanville retires from Cinderford Andy Deacon steps up to the challenge

As Cinderford RFC (CRFC) toughs it out in National 1 League, the Pride of the Forest club announces its new look management team for the 2010/2011 season.

Following nine years at CRFC, that has seen the Forest club rise up the ranks from South West 1 to National 2 and in 2008 to National 1, Pete Glanville, 38, finally closes this chapter in his rugby career and, as planned with the club since last year, announces his retirement from director of rugby operations position at the end of the season. This move has been coordinated with Andy Deacon hanging up his rugby boots and quitting playing as prop forward for the club at the impressive age of 45!

Currently employed as a player/coach and a legend not only at Gloucester but also at CRFC, Andy has subsequently been appointed as Cinderford’s new director of rugby operations (DORO) and looks forward to the less physical but equally challenging management responsibility in building a stronger team, securing playing rugby at the highest level and developing players through all levels of the club.

Pete joined CRFC in December 2001 as director of rugby and has helped build and develop the squad that saw year on year promotion right up to National 1 level two seasons ago. Club president, Peter Bell, said: “We owe a great deal to Pete in how he has shaped the club, and taken us on an amazing journey leading his back room team, our coaches and players to this level. He also been instrumental in bringing in great players and signing new talent to build the squad we have today.”

Commenting on his retirement, Peter said: “It has been a difficult decision to take and Cinderford has been my rugby life for the last 9 years. I have had a truly rewarding time and am so proud in what we all have achieved; to be one of the top 40 clubs in the England is a great result.” Pete started his rugby career back in 19822 at Longlevens and went on to play as flanker for Gloucester RFC between 1989 and 2000 and captain in 1997. “I am not leaving rugby completely behind and will still be involved in the game supporting local rugby clubs.”

Andy Deacon, started playing senior rugby for local club, Longlevens, at the age of 15 and made his debut for Gloucester in 1989 in a career that spanned three decades, captaining the side for one season in 1994/95 and retiring in 2004. He joined Cinderford in 2005/6.

“I am pleased to rest my battered body and now focus on a management role. We have come along away and it’s my ambition to take us higher still. We have the Championship in our sights and if we play hard and well we can grow. I have the terrific support in Head Coach, Phil Greenaway and Senior Coach, Lee Fortey who have great experience in playing and coaching at this high standard, and are respected and well known,” said Andy Deacon. “I am excited and passionate about this club as we have a great pool of talent and potential to call upon. And with props like Shaun Knight, Phil Kennedy, and Jake Meadows, it’s time for me to handover to the younger crew. Taking over from Pete allows me to continue my involvement in Cindy from pitchside; less physicality but just as demanding and tough.”

“Personally I’d like to say thanks to Pete for bringing me into the club and doing a great job; he will be a hard act to follow!”

BBC Sport Report with Interview with Andy Deacon

Cinderford in a relegation battle

National League One

Cinderford 24 – Cambridge 31

IN-FORM Cambridge avenged their defeat to Cinderford earlier in the season in this incident packed match.

Cinderford contributed much to the game, but for the second week running their defence leaked more than 30 points.

They also failed to take full advantage of two Cambridge yellow cards. Toby Berridge was sin-binned on the half-hour mark, with Karl Rudzski leaving the field five minutes from time.

Cambridge scored first when powerful centre Alex Dodge broke through the midfield and off-loaded to try-scoring machine Handre Schimdt, who didn’t need a second invitation to exploit the available space. Will Martin converted.

Cinderford were soon level, thanks to an interception try by Rob Winchle, converted by Danny Trigg.

The Cambridge scrum repeatedly caved in under pressure from the home pack and a Trigg penalty put Cinderford 10-7 up at the interval.

Cambridge’s big and mobile back five created openings for the backs and a sweeping move produced a try for wing Tony Berridge, converted by Martin.

Again Cinderford bounced back, fly-half Matt James breaking through the midfield before releasing Winchle for a second score. Trigg converted from the touchline.

Martin’s penalty made it 17-17 but Cinderford had the upper hand.

In the final quarter, Cambridge rallied with some powerful play.

Gareth McComb and Dan Hunter broke through Cinderford’s tiring defence for tries, with Martin converting both to put his side 31-17 ahead.

Paul Boston squeezed in at the corner from a long Matt James pass to keep the game alive, with Trigg landing another fine conversion.

Cinderford threw everything at Cambridge in the final minutes, but the visitors’ 14-man defence was solid.

This match was preceded by a minute’s silence for Grant Taylor, who died last week.

Grant came through the Cinderford ranks and played for the club for many years. He also played for Westbury-on-Severn.

Cinderford: Danny Trigg, Rob Winchle, Paul Boston, Dave Knight, Kyle Palm (Tim Stevenson 45), Matt James, Danny Pointon (Sam Arnott, 67), Jake Meadows, Chris Hall, Andy Deacon (Shaun Knight 45), Dave Bufton, Ed King, Rob James, Marcus Brown (Dan Hall, 60), George Evans. Other rep: Lee Fortey. Attendance: 250

Too many silly mistakes

Sedgley Park 39 – 34 Cinderford RFC

THIRTY-FOUR points in a match would usually guarantee Cinderford victory, but their defensive strengths deserted them away at Sedgley Park.

With Otley thrashing Nuneaton, it’s all to play for in the battle for survival.

Cinderford head coach Phil Greenaway said: “We made silly uncharacteristic errors, I thought we were a little bit over-anxious at times and dropped a few balls.

“Usually, we’d expect to win having scored 34 points on the road, but I can’t fault the commitment of the players.

“To be honest, I never thought Otley would go down, but it’s all still in our hands.

“We’ve got an awful lot of injuries with almost a whole team on the sidelines, but we can’t use that as an excuse.”

Both sides scored four tries in this thrilling encounter, but five penalties from Matt Riley turned the game in Park’s favour.

Danny Trigg and Riley exchanged penalties, before Richard Oxley and Tom Blackwell went over for tries to give Park a 15-3 lead after 25 minutes.

Trigg landed a second penalty before converting his own try.

A further exchange of penalties between the two kickers gave the hosts a slender 20-18 advantage at half-time.

Riley’s third penalty extended that advantage, but Cinderford responded with the try of the match from winger Rob Winchle, again converted by Trigg.

Another Riley penalty was followed by a great solo try from Park’s Chris Wilkinson.

Cinderford refused to lie down and number eight George Evans powered over for a score, which Trigg converted.

A fifth penalty from Riley levelled the scores at 34-34 with five minutes remaining.

Phil Largan scrambled over to give the hosts their winning touchdown.

Cinderford hammered away at the home line in the closing stages, but the Tigers defence held out.

Cinderford host Cambridge this Saturday, then tackle consecutive away trips to Launceston and Nuneaton.

On May 8 they take on Blaydon at home, before finishing the season at home to league leaders Esher the following week.

Will Foden left the field with a knee injury against Sedgley Park and is a doubt for this Saturday’s match.

Cinderford: Danny Trigg, Rob Winchle, Dave Knight, Paul Boston, Kyle Palm, Matt James (Tim Stevenson 51), Sam Arnott (Danny Pointon 51), Jake Meadows, Chris Hall, Shaun Knight (Andy Deacon 73), Dave Bufton, Ed King, Will Foden (Marcus Brown 43), Chris McNeil, George Evans. Rep not used: Lee Fortey. Attendance: 281

? CINDERFORD Stags booked their place in the Junior Combination Cup final with a 25-0 win over Berry Hill United at Lakers Road.

It was 0-0 at half-time, but Cinderford forged ahead with tries from Mike Wallis (2) and Nicky Gait.

Luke Beard kicked one conversion and two penalties, with Shane Davies landing a conversion.

Cinderford edge nearer to safety

CINDERFORD RFC 10 – 7 BLACKHEATH RFC

THIS battle in the Dockham Road mud was always going to be a war of attrition, but Cinderford coach Phil Greenaway was delighted with his side’s performance.

He said: “The effort we showed, especially…

Foresters fate in their own hands

CINDERFORD can move a step closer to National One safety with victories in their next two games against sides directly above them.

The Foresters are stranded six points above Otley in the relegation zone but also six points behind Blackheath and Sedgley Park, who they face in the next two weeks.

South East London outfit Blackheath are the visitors to Dockham Road tomorrow and with a trip to strugglers Manchester next week for Sedgley Park with coach Lee Fortey demanding two wins.

“We look at tomorrow as a must-win game because if we win that it relieves a bit of pressure on the guys,” said Fortey.

“We need to win to climb up the table and catch up with that group and keep the pressure on Otley so they have to keep performing.

“We have got three big games now with Blackheath, Sedgley Park and Cambridge at home so we are trying to maximise the amount of points we take out of those games to make us safe and starting looking up the table rather than down it.”

Cinderford will relish a return home to Dockham Road after one of their longest trips of the season last week to Tynedale which resulted in a 33-19 defeat.

The Foresters clearly enjoy playing in front of their own fans as they have won three out of the last four there with their only loss coming against second side London Scottish when they could have won.

“The way we are playing at the minute there is a good buzz around the place and we are playing some good stuff,” Fortey added.

“We just need to cut out the mistakes like we had against Tynedale last week and we will be there.

“We must try and start well and get the fans behind us because it is a massive help being at home.

“Blackheath are not going to be looking forward to travelling up to Dockham Road and we know the ground better and what it is all about.”

After scoring a try last week, Fortey looks set to continue playing alongside Jake Matthews and Andy Deacon with Chris Hall approaching full fitness.

‘Don’t let the county game disappear’

‘COUNTY rugby is not yet dead, but it’s hardly kicking and singing’.

That’s the message from Gloucestershire RFU stalwart Russ Hillier, who is urging clubs and players to keep supporting the once-great end of season tournament.

Because of the severe winter, many leading clubs, including Cinderford and Lydney, face extended fixture programmes that will clash directly with the county itinerary.

Mr Hillier said: “There are a few of us who still hold county rugby dear, but we’re having to fight hard to keep things going.

“It would be a sad day for rugby if the county game disappeared, but I know there are people who would be quite happy for it to do so

“Not everyone wants to play professionally.

“The county game gives amateurs the chance to gain representative honours and to play at Twickenham.”

No county squad sessions have been held this year because the authorities do not want to ‘antagonise clubs’.

Letters will go out shortly to check which players are available for selection, but the first proper get-together won’t take place until mid to late April.

Last season’s coach Mark Cornwell won’t be involved this time around.

Russ, Nigel Gillingham and Mike Rafter will oversee Gloucestershire’s County Championship bid, with on-field coaching from Lydney’s Paul Williams, Cinderford’s Phil Greenaway and Matt Salter of Clifton.

Gloucestershire kick-off their campaign on Saturday May 8 at Lydney RFC against Hertfordshire (3pm).

Ironically, Lydney are supposed to visit Henley in National Two South the same day, while Cinderford host Blaydon.

Gloucestershire play Devon at Plymouth RFC on May 15 (3pm), then take on Cornwall at Redruth RFC on May 22 (also 3pm).

The final will be played at Twickenham on Sunday May 30.