Cinderford travelled to Croesyceiliog for the opening fixture of the new season, a fixture that has always been hard fought on both sides and on paper looked to be a stern opening game for both teams.
Cinderford’s XV had a familiar look to it, with just a few new arrivals to compensate for the departures and the return of Will after taking a rest for a year. Conditions were good and ideal for a handling game.
Cinderford started the brighter of the two teams and looked to have scored in the first few minutes, however the referee deemed that the ball had gone dead. It wasn’t long before they did cross the line out wide following a chip through. This was followed shortly afterwards by a second try in the same corner.
Cinderford were competing well, with their scrum more than holding their own despite giving away a fair amount of weight in the front row, their breakdown work was also getting the lion’s share of possession. Most encouragingly the Cinderford forwards, who were lifting in the line out for the first time, looked the more accomplished of the two teams despite Croesyceiliog having had a year’s head start.
Half-time came up with Cinderford leading 10-0
Cinderford started the second half well, keeping Croesyceiliog penned deep in their own half. Cinderford looked like they had scored a third try from a pick and drive, however the referee called a knock on. From the ensuing scrum Cinderford took a strike against the head and the backrow drove over in the corner.
Cinderford kept up the pressure with the game mostly played in the Croesyceiliog half. Midway through the second period Cinderford scored a fourth try following good interplay between the forwards.
With time running out Croesyceiliog got a conciliation score following a chip and chase.
Overall it was a satisfactory result for Cinderford, at times they looked rusty and were far from fluid, however they played well enough to never look like losing and the coaches can build form here.
Special mention goes to new player, Hayden, for a fine debut on the wing.
Final Score: Croesyceiliog 5 Cinderford 22