Cinderford Takes Positives and Performance to Loughborough
Saturday 1st November KO 2pm (National 1)
Following a narrow loss 19-17 to Rosslyn Park at home last Saturday, the Foresters travel to Loughborough with confidence and determination to turn tables and get that deserved win.
The coaches and players took many positives from the strong Cinderford performance against Rosslyn Park that pushed their opponents all the way to take a losing bonus point which could be vital later in the season. The Forest team has had a tough October playing five from the top seven in the National 1 league and putting in some impressive performances, showing improvements week on week as the players come together. Starting with Loughborough Students on Saturday, November brings Old Albanians, Blaydon and Wharfedale and Neil Loader’s team is targeting significant results in what will be a pivotal month.
Loughborough got off to a good start but has had some bad results in recent games and sit a couple of places above Cinderford. The Students play open, fluid rugby, with big runners and fit players but with the performance Cinderford delivered last week, taking the away win is certainly on the cards.
Team news sees Alex Gordas move to loosehead with Joe Smart on the bench and Elliott Booley starting at tighthead. Dave Wheeler starts as hooker with Sam Wilkes returning after injury to the bench. Charlie Norman returns to centre for Lloyd Evans who is unavailable and Nev Codlin comes in to the saide for the first time this season having played for United and coming back to match fitness after a long term injury.
A good number of other injured players are all due to return to the squad soon giving the strength and depth and all challenging for a First XV place, adding intensity in training and helping to further the Foresters campaign.
Good luck to the First XV and also Cinderford Stags who welcome Clifton 2nds to the Beavis Memorial Ground (KO 2.30pm).
Cinderford v Loughborough
15 Mike Wilcox (capt)
14 Nev Codlin
13 Charlie Norman
12 Sam Hanks
11 Sam Baker
10 Mark Davies
9 Clive Stuart-Smith
1 Alex Gordas
2 Dave Wheeler
3 Elliot Booley
4 Lance Randall
5 Milo Reynolds
6 George Mills
7 Chris McNeil
8 George Evans
16 Sam Wilkes
17 Joe Smart
18 Mike Uren
19 Andy Uren
20 Stef Hawley