Cinderford on form on the road to Tynedale
Saturday 5 April — National 1 (KO 3:00pm)
With just five games remaining and full of energy following last week’s thrilling victory against Loughborough Students, Cinderford travels on the long road north to Tynedale who sit a couple of places above in the league.
Talking to Andy Deacon, director of rugby in the week he reported that his team is upbeat following their strong second half performance record. “We prepared well for Loughborough but never do things the easy way and didn’t really got going in the first-half. We had a lot of ball but made very few inroads and coughed up a lot of ball. There was plenty of heart and endeavour but we were going nowhere fast. After a heart to heart at half time, we came out in the second-half and got some momentum which made all the difference. We were getting over the gain-line with the likes of Will Keenan, Roger Birkin and Tom Hicks getting past the first tackle to give the guys in the backs front foot ball. As soon as we started scoring I was confident we would get the win, the only let down was that we missed out on the five points which was achievable.”
“We did our bit but both Henley and Tynedale also won, and there was a little bit of movement at the bottom of the table and as I keep saying our destiny is very much in our own hands. We have analysed each and every game remaining to make sure there is clarity in our approach. We just have to keep our nerve. Loughborough was another game ticked off and if we win just two of our next five that could be enough.”
“This week we face one of our relegation rivals, in Tynedale, who we beat at home earlier in the season but they are a much improved side and have been enjoying some good form in recent times. It will be absolutely massive if we can get a win up there. It’s a totally different psyche to last week because at home there is so much pressure and expectation.”
Changes in the team this week see Andy Bulumakau (Gloucester loan player) come in at 14 for an injured Nev Codlin, and Danny Pointon starts at scrum half after making an impact in the second half last week. Joe Smart comes in for Will Davis who has been called back to Bristol Rugby. After impressing last week Tom Heard starts at tight head. Adam Balding returns after injury at 8, for George Mills who moves to the bench. Alex Frame comes onto the bench replacing Sam Hanks.
Back at the home Beavis Memorial Ground, Cinderford United play Jersey Athletic in the Shield at 3pm.
Cinderford RFC / @cinderfordrfc v Tynedale/ @TynedaleRFC
Backs:
15. Stef Hawley
14. Andy Bulumakau
13. Jack Adams
12. Robbie Winchle
11. Sam Baker
10. Mike Wilcox
9. Danny Pointon
Forwards:
1. Joe Smart
2. Tom Bozzard
3. Tom Heard
4. Ed King
5. Tom Hicks
6. Roger Birkin
7. Will Keenan
8. Adam Balding (capt)
Replacements:
16. Eliot Booley
17. Ryan Charles
18. Alex Frame
19. Clive Stuart-Smith
20. George Mills