Cinderford Target Repeat Home Win Against Fylde Rugby
Saturday 23 November (KO 2.30pm) National 1
Looking to repeat their great win over Blackheath two weeks ago, these Foresters welcome back Fylde Rugby this weekend. Casting back to the last time Fylde visited the Forest of Dean, Cinderford delivered a great result winning 52 − 19. Today Fylde sit in 6th position in the league with the home team in the bottom tier.
The desire to repeat last year’s performance has never been higher said director of rugby, Andy Deacon. “Today’s game will again be a stern test for us. Fylde play a great brand of rugby which is nice on the eye when it clicks. Let us not forget that last time they came here we won by 30 odd and long may that continue!”
“Our recent Blackheath victory set us up nicely for a very important away game at Worthing Raiders last weekend, where all the hard work we had put in prior was largely undone in the first 20 minutes. Our poor defence and exits putting massive pressure on us. Conceding so many points in that period was always a big ask for us to come back from. But the guys never accept when they are beaten nor do they give up, because we then proceeded to get back to 19 − 22 with 15 minutes left on the clock, and were moving to take the win. But we missed the chance to finish off the game and ultimately score more tries. That said our defence has improved and we have also seen a significant reduction in our penalty count which is really positive.”
“Everyone is buckling down, working hard and not shying away from difficult conversations. We need to learn how to win away from home and also how to play for the full 80 minutes in every single game, home or away. We just have to hold our nerve, keep working hard, and understand how to improve in certain areas, and if we can do that, the second half of the season should be far more enjoyable than the first half. I am confident that we will, as I have total faith in the guys, and there are still some players on their way back from injury too.”
“Our determination and hunger to succeed and get the results turning in our favour is higher than ever, given our position in the league. It’s all about points, points, points and moving up the table.”
There are just a few changes to the side this week. Nev Codlin returns to the wing with Stef Hawley moving to the bench. Sam Hanks comes in at 12 for Brad Davies who is unwell. Ed King comes into the second row on player rotation with Lance Randall moving to the bench.
Moving on to sunnier climes, Cinderford United travel abroad to play Jersey RFC 2nds in their first overseas fixture. They will be well supported by the travelling fans and committee members. Cinderford Stags take on Dybrook RFC at home, playing the 2nds at 2.30pm.
Good luck to all teams.
Cinderford RFC v Fylde
Backs:
15. Mike Wilcox
14. Alex Pickersgill
13. Jack Adams
12. Sam Hanks
11. Nev Codlin
10. Mark Davies
9. Reece Boughton
Forwards:
1. Chris Bundy
2. Tom Bozzard
3. Elliot Booley
4. Ed King
5. Tom Hicks
6. George Mills
7. Marcus Brown
8. George Evans (Capt)
Replacements:
16. Will Davis
17. Finlay Sinclair
18. Lance Randall
19. Stef Hawley
20. Danny Pointon
Pictured: George Mills v Blackheath