Cinderford Determined to Shine at Blackheath
Saturday 18 October KO 3pm (National 1)
Drawing on the positives from the last two games that saw Cinderford deliver strong performances against hefty competition, the Foresters are confident to secure their first away win of the season this weekend in London. Last week Blackheath Rugby put 50 odd points away at Wharfedale and will be relishing a home advantage but Cinderford has history in performing well when up against it and will be formidable opponents.
Like Cinderford, Blackheath is a traditional rugby club based on traditional values and good rugby and their encounters always deliver high energy games. Blackheath sit mid table (W – 3; L – 3) where as Cinderford is still in the bottom tier with just one win from six.
“Taking the win at Blackheath is totally within our reach,” said Neil Loader, head coach. “Last week we pushed Coventry all the way and kept the score tight. We were ascending and could have won with more time on the clock. We didn’t concede any tries, they got all their points through penalties and our defence was excellent. We just need to reduce errors and improve our discipline. At training this week we have spent time looking at our mid-field strategy and expect this to deliver results. We know that our opponents are strong up front with good scrums and line out drives, so we are ready to deal with this in our game plan.”
A new face joins the squad this week, as Cinderford welcomes dual registered fly half Lloyd Evans from Gloucester Rugby (and with 2 England U18 caps) who makes his debut on the bench. Other news sees Jack Adams recuperating from a nasty cut to the face and Sam Hanks moving to inside centre. Alex Frame comes off the bench to start at scrum half with Danny Pointon being unavailable. Scrum half Clive Stuart-Smith makes his season debut on the bench. Alex Gordas starts at loose head in rotation with Joe Smart, on the bench.
Good luck to the First XV away in their National 1 campaign. Travelling in the opposite direction sees Blackheath Heathens coming to the Beavis Memorial Ground to play CInderford United at home in the Shield division – KO is 2.30pm. Also at home the Stags play Cleve 2nds KO is 3pm at the Bridge ground.
Cinderford RFC
15. Mike Wilcox (C)
14. Stef Hawley
13. Charlie Norman
12. Sam Hanks
11. Sam Baker
10. Mark Davies
9. Alex Frame
1. Alex Gordas
2. Luke Cole
3. Elliot Booley
4. Lance Randall
5. Milo Reynolds
6. George Mills
7. Chris McNeil
8. George Evans
Replacements:
16. Joe Smart
17. Dave Wheeler
18. Roger Birkin
19. Lloyd Evans
20. Clive Stuart-Smith
Pictured – Sam Baker