On a sunny winter morning Cinderford welcomed Stroud to The Bridge. At the meeting earlier in the season CInderford had been seeking to set the record straight after the controversial meeting in the 2017 county cup. That they managed to do, however, it was a nervy and far from convincing performance, with that monkey off their back they looked to relax and show the control and flair that has been the hallmark of this season’s campaign.
CInderford could only muster sixteen players for the game with three big ball carriers being unavailable, however Cinderford have been there before and will make the best of what they have.
Cinderford were soon into their stride putting pressure in the Stroud defence and it wasn’t long before they scored out wide after good recycling work from the forwards. This didn’t bode well for Stroud as in previous games it was they who made the early running and took the lead.
Cinderford were dictating the play with their forwards in the ascendancy in all phases and it didn’t take long for a second try to be added again after good re-cycling work from the forwards. Toby added the extras.
Cinderford kept up the pressure, and on the odd occasion that Stroud threatened with ball in hand, they were swiftly repelled by the Cinderford mid-field.
The Cinderford pressure was relentless and eventually that pressure told with a third try coming from Hayden who out sprinted the cover defence in his magic slippers, this again was converted by Toby.
From one of their few attacks Stroud managed a break away try on the stroke of half time.
Half time score: Cinderford 19 – Stroud 5
Stroud rang the changes at half time bringing on some of their many replacements and started the second half with more intensity. However Cinderford withstood this brief storm and were soon camped on the Stroud line, eventually the pressure told and Cinderford crossed out wide, again Toby added the extras.
Stroud could make very little headway as they were continually smashed back in the tackle and with CInderford working overtime at the breakdown the ball was turned over time and again.
With continued pressure CInderford added a fifth try again after good re-cycling.
Stroud did manage a consolation break-away try, but just to emphasis their superiority CInderford immediately replied with a sixth try.
Fittingly the game finished with CInderford camped on the Stroud line, as they had done for most of the match.
Final Score: Cinderford 40 – Stroud 12
This was a commanding display from the Cinderford team, they controlled all facets of play and played some quality rugby. From 1 to 16 they can be proud of their effort and take satisfaction from being able to fully display their considerable talent.