Shane Ranford’s u11 team travelled to Cheltenham’s prince of wales stadium early on sunday 28th April to compete against Matson in the Gloucestershire RFU Under 11 county cup final. It was an early kick off (9am) with an even earlier meet for kids and parents to prepare for the game. There were many nervous parents due to the early kick off and the team also looked nervous when they started. Matson held their own initially with great defence for both sides. Once Cinderford scored the team settled down and during the second half they showed their true abilities – running in 9 tries in total. Matson didn’t give up though and scored close to the end of the second half but it was all too late.

Well done to all the team, and the dream coach team of Shane, Neil, Christian, and Seb.

Victorious 9-1 final score.

Shane said when he got back to the club “The feeling of the boys running on at the beginning from the tunnel was amazing……the hairs stood up on the back of my neck. Well done to everyone. ”

This was cup 3 out of 3 in the past month for the u11s with the county cup pools quarters and semis on the fourth weekend. Such success should be applauded and has generated a great feeling in the club with everyone including the chairman of CRFC Mark Gayther, who travelled to cheltenham this morning, and was said to have a tear in his eye when the final whistle went.

No rest for the wicked. The 11s travel to Cirencester next week for a 7s festival.

Lastly I would like to thank all he parents for the dedication to their kids and this truly gifted side.

Good luck for next week and well done again.

Malc Hannaford
Mini chairman
Cinderford RFC