Cinderford RFC v Blaydon RFC
Saturday 19 October (Nat 1 KO 2.30pm)
Tomorrow the Foresters head north to take on Blaydon on Saturday afternoon (KO 2.30pm), and with just one point separating the two sides it promises to be a well fought battle. The long journey will allow plenty of time to reflect on the emotion and second half drama and performance in the 34-34 draw with Henley at home last Saturday.
It certainly was a game of two halves. Commenting earlier in the week Andy Deacon, director of rugby, said: “Trailing 29-10 at the break, we could so easily have capitulated. At half time we asked the players, ‘is our spirit and desire as strong as we think?’ The boys came back to take the lead, and at 34-29 we should have wrapped it up. In the cold light of day we should have won the game. But we could also have given up after that wretched first half. We didn’t, and that’s what we’ve got to hold onto now.”
“Interestingly we won there last year when they were in the top tier of the table. Few sides claim results at the Crow Trees home of the Newcastle side, and we know the size of the challenge. We must be far more accurate through the ruck and a bit more dynamic in defending it. But our stellar second half last week shows we have the skill and ability and above all commitment. We just need to deliver the same performance for the full 80.”
This week there are very few changes to the 20-man squad. Will Davis starts at loose head with Chris Bundy on the bench on a player rotation basis. The same at hooker, where Finlay Sinclair starts and Tom Bozzard sits on the bench.
Cinderford United are at home to Ealing Trailfinders 2 with a KO of 2.30pm. All support welcome in what will be a great game of rugby.
Good luck to both teams.
Cinderford RFC v Blaydon RFC (A)
Backs
15. Stef Hawley
14. Nev Codlin
13. Jack Adams
12. Sam Hanks
11. Chris Hawkins
10. Mike Wilcox
9. Danny Pointon
Forwards
1. Will Davis
2. Finlay Sinclair
3. Elliot Booley
4. Tom Hicks
5. Ed King
6. Joe Garner
7. George Mills
8. George Evans (Capt)
Replacements
16. Chris Bundy
17. Tom Bozzard
18. Marcus Brown
19. Clive Stuart-Smith
20. Alex Frame