Cinderford u15’s opened their County Cup with a less than impresive start against Dursley RFC, losing the game 5 – 29. Dursley’s large pack took control of the scrums from the first whistle, winning a number of scrums against the head. With Cinderford slow to get into their rhythm Dursley took advantange and crossed the line in the far corner, converted with an excellent touch line kick. Cinderford continued to struggle in the scrums but were more than a match in the loose, and around the fringes, against a very big front 8 for Dursley. Just before half time Cinderford winger Mark Eynott went on a run through 3 tacklers but eventually got turned over in midfield, and some quick thinking from the Dursley backs ran back into the unguarded space, to score a further try. Shortly before half time Eynott was sin binned for throwing a punch . Half time Cinderford 0 Dursley 12.
Cinderford came out for the second half with renewed vigour, with the forwards now starting to compete and win their own scrums. However Cinderford now with only 14 players on the pitch struggled to cover out wide and Dursley took full advantage and crossed for a further 3 tries, only one of which was converted. Cinderford captain Will Rouse, playing in the unusual position of centre, threw caution to the wind and went on a fantastic run to score in the corner – the conversion was missed. Final score Cinderford 5 Dursley 29. A game of ‘if only’s’ for the home team who’s tackling has improved week by week.