Cinderford Upbeat Ahead of Away Game v League Newcomers Loughborough
Saturday 15 December (National 1 KO 2.00pm)

This Saturday Cinderford travels to Loughborough in a confident mood looking to secure their third win of the season, following the narrow one point defeat last weekend against table toppers Ealing. New comers to the National 1 league, Loughborough have made good inroads and have won six from their last eight which is a credit to their team and coaches.

“After such a close defeat, it’s imperative that we make up both this week and next, where we have another game on the road, and get two big wins, ” said Andy Deacon, director of rugby.

“Looking at the side, Sam Caven comes in for Nev Codlin who is suffering a long standing back complaint which needs close management of his game time. Sam has pushed hard all year and will take his United form into the First XV. In a position switch Mike Wilcox comes in for Mark Davies who picked up an ankle injury last weekend. Kai Done comes in as full back and will be wanting to grasp the opportunity to start after coming off the bench on numerous occasions.”

“We start with a different front row that sees Leigh Green at loose head, Stu Bailey as hooker and Nick Selway as tight head in the continued front row rotation policy. Danny Pointon makes a welcome return at scrum half after a shoulder operation back in the summer and following a successful rehab programme. Alex Frame sits on the bench as scrum half with props Tom Heard and James Brooks, and Dave McKee and Stef Hawley completing the line up.”

“After a good week training with a clear focus on the simplified game plan, despite the freezing weather, we are in good sprits and confident to gain two wins this week and next to go into the Christmas break on target with our points and league position.”

“I also wanted to say well done to Dale Critchley and Kai Done who represented Gloucester A in their semi final fixture earlier this week. Albeit in defeat we are proud of their achievement and I believe this year we have a record number of Cinderford players involved in the Gloucester A side, which is amazing.”

This Saturday Cinderford United are away to Llandovery who will prove a stern test, and Stags take on Bristol Students at home. All travelling Forester teams return to the Beavis Memorial Ground for the traditional roast turkey festive dinner at the Cinderford clubhouse.

Cinderford RFC Team v Loughborough Students

Backs
15. Kai Done
14. Sam Caven
13. Jack Adams
12. Rob Winchle
11. Lloyd Stapleton
10. Mike Wilcox
9. Danny Pointon

Forwards
1. Leigh Green
2. Stuart Bailey
3. Nick Selway
4. Ben West
5. Dale Critchley
6. Luke Allen
7. Will Foden (C)
8. Joe Garner

Replacements:
16. Tom Heard
17. James Brooks
18. Dave McKee
19. Alex Frame
20. Stef Hawley

Travelling Rep: Tom Bozzard