Cinderford Welcomes Neighbours Hartpury in Local Derby
National 1 — Saturday 13 September (KO 2.30pm)
New head coach Neil Loader makes his debut at the Beavis Memorial Ground as Cinderford hosts its first home game of the 2014/15 National 1 season in an exciting derby against neighbouring club, Hartpury College. He is joined by Saul Nelson as the Forester’s new Assistant Coach.
Neil’s first National 1 venture started last week away in South London. “We can take a fair few positives from the Esher game, where we got ourselves into a late position of ascendancy, where one more try would have delivered us two bonus points. Esher are a top side but we came out fighting in the second half with good attitude and determination. The guys made fair comments in the changing room at half time and the outcome was positive. I am never happy to loose, but we were putting together some nice phases, and were broken down in open play in just one or two instances, and looking good after a poor first half where we were defending most of the time and had little ball.”
“United had a good game too and with a few of the boys coming back from injury, I have a selection nightmare, which is great! I would rather that than be in the position where the side picks itself.” “Training has been strong this week working on our defence structure, line outs and other areas. We treat each game in the same manner, although today against Hartpury it promises to be a massive occasion for players and supporters! We are confident and excited to play in front of our home crowd and deliver winning rugby and a great spectacle.”
Changes to the side put out last week see newcomer Henry Bird come in for Stef Hawley who moves to the bench and Sam Hanks come off the bench for an injured Robbie Winchle. Andy Uren comes off the bench to start at scrum half. Elliot Booley starts in the front row for Jake Caulfield, who took a knock to his leg, and prop Joe Smart comes onto the bench after injury and playing for United last week. George Evans is also back at 8 with Mike Uren moving from 8 to 6 in place of Dan Fry. Luke Cole debuts on the bench, loan player form Gloucester Rugby, along with Charlie Norman. Rhys Luckwell also makes the bench for Cinderford First XV.
Cinderford RFC v Hartpury College
15. Mike Wilcox (capt)
14. Henry Bird
13. Jack Adams
12. Sam Hanks
11. Sam Baker
10. Mark Davies
9. Andy Uren
1. Chris Bundy
2. Sam Wilkes
3. Eliott Booley
4. Lance Randall
5. Matt Lane
6. Mike Uren
7. Chris McNeil
8. George Evans
Replacements:
16. Joe Smart
17. Luke Cole
18. Rhys Luckwell
19. Stef Hawley
20. Charlie Norman