Cinderford in bid to maintain unbeaten record in 4th league game v Macclesfield RFC
The leading Forest side prepares for its second home game in the National 1 league v Macclesfield RUFC and looks to maintain its great start to the season following two wins and a heart-stopping performance last week at Rosslyn Park, that ended in high drama with a 36-36 draw.
At half time Cinderford were 24-3 down and as director of rugby Andy Deacon said “… if someone had said then we were going to get a draw I would have taken that!”
Frustrations were running high after their first half performance but they have proven themselves already to be a special group of players with the will, desire and self-belief and this came to the fore in the energetic second half. “We kept possession for far greater periods allowing us to gain sustained pressure on Rosslyn Park resulting in us scoring 5 tries and 33 points in as many minutes which capped a remarkable second half come back,” said Deacon.
“This week we go into the battle field again against Macclesfield full of confidence but our feet are firmly on the ground as we realise that they have not had the best of starts and can be a very dangerous opponent, evident last year when they did the double over us.”
“As ever the coaches and players have worked hard and smartly on key areas of the game in readiness and our determination to win never waivers on the pitch. This year we may critique our rugby performance in places but our application, drive and spirit is in the best form ever and that goes a long way when we need to dig deep.”
“Full back Mike Wilcox returns and winger Nev Codlin goes to the bench allowing Sam Caven to start. George Evans comes in at 8 and Joe Garner moves to the bench. Dewi Scourfield is now fully fit and takes his place on the bench but other than that the line up is pretty much the same.”
“We need to put on a great rugby spectacle in honour of our long-standing Club Steward Sue Roberts who retires on Saturday. Sue has been a familiar face at the club and made a huge contribution to help make it the club it is today. On behalf of all the boys and backroom staff we wish Sue a long and happy retirement and hope she enjoys watching from the sidelines instead of from behind the bar.”
Cinderford Team
Backs
15. Mike Wilcox
14. Sam Caven
13. Jack Adams
12. Rob Winchle
11. Lloyd Stapleton
10. Mark Davies
9. Sam Arnott
Forwards
1. James Brooks
2. Tom Bozzard
3. Nick Selway
4. Ben West
5. Dave McKee
6. Adam Nicholls
7. Will Foden (C)
8. George Evans
Replacements
16. Stuart Bailey
17. Leigh Green
18. Joe Garner
19. Stef Hawley
20. Nev Codlin