Cinderford confident and ready for Blackheath
Saturday 20 October KO 2.30pm (National 1)
Cinderford RFC returns home to the Beavis Memorial ground this Saturday after a long away to trip to Fylde RFC last weekend – ultimately an unsuccessful one with the Forest side never reaching the heights found previously in their league campaign so far and sitting at sixth place.
This unrelenting league does not get any easier with the visit of Blackheath RFC this week, who many say are favourites for promotion to the Championship. Cinderford faces a tough opposition; it will be a massive test for the young squad who will be looking to maintain their unbeaten home record to date this season.
“The squad has worked hard on the defensive frailties that were badly exposed against Fylde, with the coaches and players working hard to improve using focused sessions at training this week. The guys definitely have the ability – we have shown that by winning games from the off – the challenge is playing to their full potential and raising the bar at every game to succeed. It’s a case of focus, no room for complacency, and keep eyes on our key skills and clinical execution of the basics,” said Andy Deacon, director of rugby.
“Anticipating a bumper and vocal crowd, we are determined to get back to our winning ways in front of the home crowd. With the league suddenly very tight and only a few points separating third from 11th a win this week has become that more important, and will cement Cinderford in the top tier of the table. We come into today’s game with high confidence and the ultimate belief we can get the results we know we are capable of delivering to our supporters.”
“Again just a few side changes sees Dave McKee come in for Ed King in the second row, after impressing for Cindeford United. James Brookes comes back from injury, to the bench with Nick Selway resting. A most welcome return to Dale Critchley who takes his place on the bench after a long lay off with a ankle injury. With the bench being split 4:1 (forwards:back ), Stef Hawley also sits out this weekend.”
Cinderford RFC Team v Blackheath RFC
Backs
15. Mike Wilcox
14. Nev Codlin
13. Jack Adams
12. Rob Winchle
11. Lloyd Stapleton
10. Mark Davies
9. Sam Arnott
Forwards
1. Joe Smart
2. Tom Bozzard
3. Tom Heard
4. Ben West
5. Dave McKee
6. Luke Allen
7. Will Foden (C)
8. George Evans
Replacements
16. James Brooks
17. Stuart Bailey
18. Dale Critchley
19. Joe Garner
20. Sam Caven
Pictured: CRFC v Richmond – Will Foden leads out team