Cinderford Focused on Winning against Blackheath
Saturday 9 November (National Division 1) KO 2.30pm

Back on home turf, the Foresters are looking to build on their week of intensity in training and put right the challenges from last week’s disappointing game away at Wharfedale.
Andy Deacon, director of rugby said: “Transparency is key to a successful season for Cinderford, and it’s been a mixed journey for the team so far and our open-door policy will put us in good stead. Every month I sit down with the coaching staff and several players, including one or two of our newer recruits, to discuss ways we can improve. That way we can adapt in areas where we may need to pay more attention and it gives the coaches a chance to view the mindsets of our individual players.”

“It is important to air our individual thoughts during this process so we can make sure we are all singing from the same song sheet. It allows the guys to be proactive and gives them confidence to speak up. And in turn, the players can discuss where they stand this season and put their thoughts about the team’s form during training and match day out on the table. We have been inconsistent this season and that is something I want the boys to focus on. One week we will be strong in the line out and scrum and the next our discipline is not as it should be. Our penalty count against Wharfedale was too high and, at a place like that, you can’t afford to be ill-disciplined. We were the masters again of our own downfall. If you get three yellow cards and only score one try, you are not going to win in games like this one.”

“On Tuesday we held probably the best training night for a one while and I hope this trend continues. On Saturday we face Blackheath RFC, and like us their start to the season has been patchy which is unusual for this famous rugby club. In recent years they have always started well and then faded towards the end, so today they will be looking to halt and reverse this trend, but we are prepared better and stronger than ever. This will be a big game for us in our quest to move up the table, but we have our passionate home crowd to push us on.”

Team tweaks see Brad Davies move to 12 with Sam Hanks on the bench. Stef Hawley stays on the wing replacing the injured Chris Hawkins. Danny Pointon starts at scrum half on player rotation with Clive Stuart-Smith. Ed King comes into the side for Tom Hicks who is back with Gloucester this week. George Mills replaces Joe Garner who moves to the bench on rotation, as does Chris Bundy for Will Davis at loose head.

Other #teamcindy news sees Cinderford United who will pass the Blackheath Firsts bus going in the opposite direction to play Blackheath 2nds. The Stags team are away to Avonmouth Old Boys. Good luck to all teams.

Cinderford RFC v Blackheath RFC

15. Mike Wilcox
14. Nev Codlin
13. Jack Adams
12. Brad Davies
11. Stef Hawley
10. Mark Davies
9. Danny Pointon

1. Chris Bundy
2. Tom Bozzard
3. Elliot Booley
4. Lance Randall
5. Ed King
6. George Mills
7. Marcus Brown
8. George Evans (Capt)

Replacements:
16. Will Davis
17. Finlay Sinclair
18. Joe Garner
19. Sam Hanks
20. Clive Stuart-Smith