Cinderford at home to Wharfedale RUFC — Saturday 3rd Mo_vember !
KO 2.30pm (SSE National 1)

After a bruising encounter at Esher last weekend Cinderford RFC gained a well earned point in a game that could have delivered a lot more for the Forest side who put on a great performance in the last ten minutes even when down to 13 men!

This week Cinderford welcomes Wharfedale RUFC who are always a tough opponent, and in this league it can never be a time for complacency according to Andy Deacon, director of rugby. “We all realise that when we lose away it most certainly puts more pressure on the following home game result, and non more so than this Saturday. It was a touch physical encounter last weekend and as the season rolls on I think it was a valuable point that we came away with, plus we were the first team to stop Esher getting a bonus point.”

“That said, our performance was flawed by traits that have let us down previously and if we are to be successful topping the table, then we need to get wins at home and away; eradicating high penalty counts from our game and taking the chances when they present themselves.”

“A couple of changes to the team this week. We see the full debut of second rower Dale Critchley, and Sam Caven replaces Nev Codlin on the wing, who has a back niggle. Loan player Dave Lewis has just been recalled to Gloucester Rugby so is not available to us this weekend. Alex Frame steps in at scrum half. After impressing in the United side, Leigh Green, Nico Woodward, Ed King and Kai Done form this week’s bench.”

With the training sessions reaching new heights and the addition of guest premiership coaches assisting, Cinderford continues to build its platform for success. Paul Moriarty, defence coach at Gloucester Rugby, joins the Forest side again next week and his focus certainly raises the bar.

Cinderford RFC Team v Wharfedale

Backs
15. Mike Wilcox
14. Sam Caven
13. Jack Adams
12. Rob Winchle
11. Lloyd Stapleton
10. Mark Davies
9. Alex Frame

Forwards
1. James Brooks
2. Tom Bozzard
3. Tom Heard
4. Ben West
5. Dale Critchley
6. Luke Allen
7. Will Foden (C)
8. George Evans

Replacements
16. Leigh Green
17. Nico Woodward
18. Ed King
19. Joe Garner
20. Kai Done

Pictured: Skipper Will Foden in recent game v Richmond