Saturday 17 November at 2.30pm — National 1
This Saturday sees the visit of Blaydon RFC who, like the Foresters, have surprised many in the league with an impressive start. Following a last minute defeat in the closing injury time at Old Albanians, Cinderford really have the bit firmly between their teeth this week as they face the side that sits at third, just two places above them, and are determined to maintain their home game winning stat.
Said Andy Deacon, director of rugby: “Mickey Ward’s team has forged a pack that will be a match for any side this season. Talking to various guys who have already played Blaydon, they all say this team has a good scrum and line out and as we know these two components are key aspects to the game.”
“After my frustrations last week in sadly missing the Old Albanians game through illness I am thoroughly looking forward to being back on the Cinderford touchline galvanising the team, come Saturday. When we went into a 7 point lead over OA I really thought we had the chance to come away with a positive result. Having now watched the DVD I believe we lacked composure at vital times in the game which is something we have addressed at training this week.
“On a related sporting note, this week I have been at the Rugby Expo show at Twickenham, a great event aimed at all areas of rugby! At the gala dinner, Bill Beaumont picked up a lifetime achievement award, which was tremendous. I caught up with him afterwards and he was very complimentary about Cinderford RFC which made me a very proud DOR. He said he was looking forward to his trip south later in the season. I said ditto!”
Changes to the Cinderford side see Tom Heard return to Cinderford from a stint at Gloucester Rugby and Nick Selway comes onto the bench. The rest of the pack remains the same save for player rotation between 8’s George Evans and Joe Garner. Fully fit after a ankle niggle, Sam Arnott returns to take his place at scrum half.
“Let’s all get behind the boys today because we need this win, to firmly cement our position in the top tier of the league, and ensure we have a powerful run into the half way stage of the season at New Year,” Deacs added.
Good luck also to Cinderford United who are away to Bromsgrove 2nds and Stags who play Tewkesbury 2nds at home.
Cinderford RFC Team v Blaydon
Backs
15. Mike Wilcox
14. Nev Codlin
13. Jack Adams
12. Rob Winchle
11. Lloyd Stapleton
10. Mark Davies
9. Sam Arnott
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. Nick Selway
17. Nico Woodward
18. Dave McKee
19. Joe Garner
20. Kai Done
Pictured: CRFC v Wharfedale — Sam Caven