Cinderford RFC has made significant additions to its 2012/13 squad in a bid to move even higher up the highly competitive National One league. Following last week’s news that saw former premiership Gloucester Rugby player, Jack Adams join the Forest club along with Mark Davies from championship side Bristol RFC, a further eight new players are coming on board.
To bolster the forwards squad, Stuart Bailey (from newly promoted National 1 Old Albanians RFC) signs as hooker, and a familiar face in the Forest, Leigh Green, joins as a prop from Lydney RFC.
Cinderford also announces that Dale Critchley, second row, returns from Pontypool RFC to play for his town club to play in the National 1 division.
The backs welcome Sheldon Stevens as utility back and Sam Caven, winger, both from National 2 side Dings Crusaders RFC. More local faces include Josh Hannam, winger, (Lydney RFC) as he moves to the National 1 Forest club, along with former St. Peter’s old boy Joe Hoyle, who joins as scrum half from Matson RFC, and Cheltenham North winger, Dan Hewitt.
Said Andy Deacon, Cinderford’s director of rugby: “Cinderford had a great season last year and we have shown that we can compete at the highest levels within the league. By extending the strength and depth of the squad we are equipped to start the new season where we left off and continue our growth.”
“It’s testament to the club that the bedrock of the 2011/12 team have re-signed again and this high retention of experienced players, who put us firmly mid table at the close of last season, will give us a powerful kick-start to the new campaign,” he added.
The full squad starts its pre-season training programme this week, which sees a partnership with Gloucestershire University who are running a fitness testing and analysis session for the Cinderford players this Saturday at their state-of-the art student facilities. “It’s great to draw on the amazing sport resources we have locally and being involved with the University allows us to expand our pre-season programme, to benefit all the squad,” added Deacon.
The pre-season fixture programmes kicks off on August 11 with a home game v Llandovery RFC. On Wednesday 15 August there is an evening game against Old Centralians (KO 7pm), followed by another home game on August 18 v Bridgend RFC. Pre-season draws A double-header local derby on Saturday August 25 sees a 1pm KO v Old Patesians followed by a 3pm game v Hartpury College. Cinderford finished last year’s season with a successful second half to that year that ended in eighth position and saw an increase in gate counts at home games, indicating a positive pick up in attendance and support for the Foresters.
Photo Caption: L to R
Back row: Josh Hannam, Sheldon Stevens, Dale Critchley, Dan Hewitt, Stuart Bailey
Front row: Jack Adams, Sam Caven, Joe Hoyle, Mark Davies