2018-19 Season review
A good season under the Directorship of Paul Morris. New coaches have been put in place for next season as Adam Balding departs to Birmingham Moseley RFC, the club would like to wish him well and thanks him for all his efforts. Current Cinderford Attack Coach, Clive Stuart-Smith will progress into the role of Head Coach. Stuart-Smith will deliver Cinderford’s coaching programme and strategy throughout the senior squad, whilst continuing to lead Cinderford’s attacking play. Andrew Stanley, Director of Rugby at Dean Close School in Cheltenham, will become Cinderford RFC Forwards and Defence Coach. Stanley was previously Coaching Consultant for the club working alongside Stuart-Smith and Balding for the past three and a half seasons.
First team
The season ended in defeat at Rosslyn Park but safe in eighth place and mid table. This is a great result for the club who are punching well above their weight in this league with some stand out performances this season. The 1st team used a total of 42 players. Top try scorers were; Nathan Taylor 10, Sam Smith 10, and Harry Hone with 10. Liam Hemming was top points scorer with 130 points. Topping the appearances was ever present Harry Hone with 30.
United XV
Had a reasonable season, losing the Senior FOD Combination cup final 13-10 to a determined Drybrook 1st team. They won nine games in the very competitive Zoo league. The new Cinderford United coaching team will comprise of two Player Coaches. Current fly-half/scrum-half Danny Pointon will become Lead Coach, joined by former player Marcus Brown, as Forwards Coach. The United used 69 players. Top scorers were Terrance Babarinsa and Tom Darby with 5 each. Top point scorer was Danny Pointon with 49. Top appearances Jack O’Connell, Jonny Holiday and Sam Baker with 18 each.
Stags & Bucks
Both teams had fairly good season’s winning a number games, but as ever a lack of competitive fixtures hampered the Saturday enjoyment. The Bucks were victorious in the FOD Minor Combination Cup final defeating Berry Hill United 52 points to 7.
The Mini, Juniors and Girl’s sections continue to thrive, with age groups from U7’s right through to Colts along with all Girls U13’s, 15’s and 18’s. Next season there will be a senior Ladies team for the first time in the club’s history. The season ended on a high point with the Girls U18’s winning the X7’s tournament, rampaging through all opponents, top try scorer was Elle Jay-Browning with an impressive eighteen tries.
http://www.ncarugby.com/national-1/national-one-2018-19-season-review/