As the 2012/13 season draws to a close with Cinderford RFC finishing on a high defeating Cambridge RUFC 47-24 in a performance that has put them in eleventh position in the National 1 league, it has been announced that head coach Dave Pointon is leaving the club to enjoy his retirement.

“I have had a fantastic three years working alongside my two longstanding colleagues and friends Andy Deacon and Lee Fortey. I leave the club in good shape, safe in the knowledge that it is well placed for a brilliant new season ahead, with the possibility for a top four slot. Our attacking game has been outstanding, a delight to watch, with a couple of our backs featuring in the top try scoring charts in our league. Team defence needs attention to achieve its full potential; this season we simply leaked too many tries. Nevertheless we played some excellent rugby with memorable performances including the Rosslyn Park (a), Blackheath (h), Fylde (a) and Blaydon (a) games.”

Commenting on the announcement, director of rugby, Andy Deacon said: “On behalf of the coaches and players, and back room staff, I would like to sincerely thank Dave for all his hard work and dedication in working with the squad and for upping the professionalism and calibre of our players. He has helped create an environment that has developed players and allowed individuals to progress.”

“This now allows us to ring some changes and bring in new blood in our quest to achieve higher goals in National 1 next year. I am restructuring the coaching unit for 2013/14 and will not replace the position like for like but am recruiting for an attack coach who will work alongside forwards coach, Lee Fortey.” Interviews are currently being held.

Peter Bell, president at Cinderford RFC added: “The club, its committee and loyal members, wholeheartedly thank Dave for his dedication and passion over the last three years. We wish him well and he leaves us after a tough year in a very tough league, but with a stronger than ever squad ready to take on next year from a position of strength to cement a top tier position.”

“We all wish him and his family well and are indebted to his hard work, dedication and professionalism in nurturing talent on the pitch.”

This move coincides with Dave leaving St. Peters where he worked for 38 years, in recent times as head of sport. In his career he has coached 23 England Internationals and a fair few famous names that have pulled on the much coveted cherry & white shirt, including Adam Eustace, Marcel Garvey, Ryan Lamb and Charlie Sharples. His school was one of the few comprehensives in the country to win the national U18 Daily Mail Cup at Twickenham in 2006 and reach the finals in 2009. “I am also proud of the fact that the current Cinderford squad carries a healthy contingency of former St Peters pupils,” Dave added.

Reflecting on a glorious career, Dave said: “You never know what is around the corner. At work I have recently lost three very dear colleagues in a short space of time; former headmaster Larry Montagu was a great and close friend. All in all I think now is the right time for me to hang up my whistle. At Cinderford, I certainly won’t miss all the travelling within the league but I will miss the players and wish them well.”

Cinderford has finished this year’s campaign in eleventh position, with a healthy increase in gate counts at home games, indicating a positive pick up in attendance and support for the Forest side.