Having had their previous 2 County Cup games cancelled due to the weather, Cinderford were keen to get their 2014 campaign off to a winning start against opposition from across the “bridge”, as they took on Frampton Cottrell on January 26th.

The pitch at the Bridge was just about playable and having lost the coin toss, Cinderford were asked to play “uphill” in the first half.

The home side knew that they would have to dig deep to keep in the game and this was certainly the case. In a very hard fought first half, the home side had to withstand a barrage of pressure from the visitors and only some fine defence kept the score’s level at 0-0.

Frampton Cottrell kept up the pressure and they were eventually rewarded with a fine try that was duly converted to give them a 7-0 lead.

Cinderford kept up the intensity and despite the conditions their handling skills were tested and they began to create some openings for their backs to exploit. However, the home side were unable to cross the opposition line.

In the dying seconds of the half, the visitors managed to score another try, which was unconverted to leave the half time score at 0-12 to the visitors.

Cinderford knew that the next score was crucial and following some excellent forward play, the home side began to take control and a fine interception from “Captain” Jack Guy, saw him break away to score under the posts and having made the conversion himself, the score was 7-12, with Cinderford now getting on top.

With only 10 minutes to go, Matt Cooke managed to power over the line, with the help of the pack to tie the score at 12-12.

Cinderford sensed the victory and piled on the pressure and were camped in the opposition half and were rewarded with another Jack Guy interception try under the posts and a successful conversion saw the home side win a fine match 19-12.

Cinderford’s “men of the match” were the back row of Morgan Peates, Toby Powell and Joe Smythe.

Next week, weather permitting, Cinderford welcome Longlevens to the “Forest” for the second County Cup match in this years competition.

Special thanks to Sally Guy and the “coffee crew” for their efforts on fund raising and the “raffle brigade” for the money raised for the tour too!

Cinderford squad.

Josh Haddock. Matt Cooke, Jacob Smith, Ben Thompson, Josh Tull, Finlay Poultney, Joe Smythe, Toby Powell, Morgan Peates, Ollie Moore, Jack Guy, Ethan Brookes, Niall Rosser, Will Baldwin, Jack Robbins, Louis Brennan, Aaron Barnett.