Cinderford Travels North for National 1 Fixture v Blaydon
Saturday 15 November (KO 2pm)

With still 20 games of rugby to play in Cinderford’s 2014/15 campaign, the Foresters remain focused and upbeat, confident that tables will turn and the wins will start to come. Determined to put in a gritty performance against Blaydon who are just four spots above, Cinderford players have “rallied together to stay tight as a team”, according to hooker Dave Wheeler. Vocal in the huddle last weekend, Wheeler said “…

“Last week’s performance against Old Albanian was very disappointing and hard to take, but the positive from this defeat will hopefully drive us on to succeed away at Blaydon and give us the chance to put some things right after a tough week on the training ground. It’s all in our hands and we have the ability and talent; we have seen that in our better performances. If we get our mental game right from the off, then the rest will follow,” said Neil Loader, head coach.

“We have Blaydon this week and we have always given it our all up there. Blaydon have also struggled in the last two games, but this is an opportunity for us and as the visitors expectations could favour the home side, we will be using this as a positive to step up. Next week we have Wharfedale at home so we have the chance to make a good finish to the month.”

Team changes see Chris Hawkins start on the wing, for Nev Codlin, and Charlie Norman return from his Gloucester Rugby duties for Stef Hawley. Roger Birkin comes back into the back row at 6 with George Mills moving to 7, for Rhys Luckwell. Prop Mike Davis makes his First XV debut and comes onto the bench after impressing with United. Mark Davies returns to the bench and hookers Wilkes and Wheeler swap places on rotation.

Cinderford Stags are away at Cleve 2nds (2.30pm) and Bucks play Stow 2nds a home, also 2.30pm.

Good luck to all teams.

Cinderford v Blaydon (A)

15 Mike Wilcox (capt)
14 Chris Hawkins
13 Sam Hanks
12 Charlie Norman
11 Sam Baker
10 Lloyd Evans
9 Andy Uren

1 Alex Gordas
2 Sam Wilkes
3 Elliot Booley
4 Lance Randall
5 Shay Kerry
6 Roger Birkin
7 George Mills
8 George Evans

Replacements
16 Mike Davis
17 Dave Wheeler
18 Mike Uren
19 Mark Davies
20 Alex Frame