Cinderford looking forward to being at home v Fylde

Saturday 2 February, KO 2.30pm (National 1)

As we all prepare for one of the busiest rugby weekends, Cinderford is upbeat and confident in their first home fixture for quite some time.  Fylde will present the Foresters with a tough challenge, as the northern side look to improve on their away record.  This does not phase Cinderford who had a great week in training, and are hungry to prove their worth in front of a passionate home crowd.

Commented Andy Deacon, director or rugby: “It seems a long time since we played on home turf, and the last time we did saw one of our best performances this season. We delivered a fantastic result and all players put in a great shift, playing at the top of their ability. When this happens we have shown we are more than a match for any side in this very competitive division. However since our last home game we have played away at Macclesfield and Richmond and not gained a point.”

“I absolutely know that we have a side that can compete, and compete well at the top end of the table. I have seen it when we are on form and just a few positions off the top. We just have to find the right winning formula overall and regain our form. Perhaps the biggest difference from last year is that we are leaking too many tries. Yes we have scored more tries but our defence is not as it should be and it’s an area we need to improve upon. We’re working hard with the coaches, as well as with Paul Moriarty from Gloucester Rugby, to improve in this area and to have more success. We need to keep the ball for longer periods of time and reduce tries against us.”

“Every time we take to the field, we must be mentally strong and focused. If we go on to the field with the correct mindset, then this allows us to play a strong brand of rugby. If we do this in the remaining 11 games left (6 at home and 5 away) we will achieve the target we set ourselves at the year end.”

Changes to the side see on form Dewi Scourfield start at inside centre, on a rotation policy. Similarly, Tom Bozzard starts as hooker and Stu Bailey goes onto the bench. Luke Allen returns to full fitness and starts on the back row with Rob Langley coming onto the bench after impressing with United. Dale Critchley rejoins the bench and Chris Bundy sits on the bench for an injured James Brooks.

Next Saturday, Cinderford plays Tynedale RFC at home again, in the rearranged fixture.

Cinderford RFC v Fylde 

Backs
15. Mike Wilcox
14. Nev Codlin
13. Jack Adams
12. Dewi Scourfield
11. Lloyd Stapleton
10. Mark Davies
9. Danny Pointon

Forwards
1. Joe Smart
2. Tom Bozzard
3. Nick Selway
4. Ben West
5. Ed King
6. Luke Allen
7. Will Foden (Captain)
8. George Evans

Replacements
16. Chris Bundy
17. Stu Bailey
18. Rob Langley
19. Dale Critchley
20. Stef Hawley