Cinderford Plans Big Performance at Home v Rosslyn Park
Saturday 25 October — KO 2.30pm (National 1)
Cinderford welcomes Rosslyn Park to the Forest of Dean in what will be a massive game with spirited rugby. Sitting in third position Rosslyn Park will be a tough opponent but the Foresters will not be short of energy and talent to make it hard for them on home turf. Looking back at last week, Cinderford was trailing 33-5 at half-time away at Blackheath and came back hard to win the second half 24-5. An impressive turnaround to get that all-important bonus point – the final result being 38-29.
“We came out of the blocks way too slow and for the first thirty minutes we did not play good rugby, losing the ball far to often in contact, and putting ourselves under a lot of pressure against a side with a very good driving lineout. Blackheath has the ability to rack up points quickly and we need to have better control, discipline and cut out the unecessary penalties,” said Neil Loader, head coach. “We made a few changes and as the underdogs came out in the second half determined to turn tables, which was commendable and we played some great rugby and came back to get the BP. Getting a try by the forwards was also pleasing to see our hard work paying off from training. This week we have focused on our warm ups and starting game to eradicate last week’s poor early performance and play winning rugby for the full 80,” Loader concluded.
Andy Deacon is convinced we can win this home fixture based on the ‘spirit’ we showed last Saturday and reminds us that last year we were only beaten by three points in the same fixture. “We’ve played Esher, Ealing and Coventry already this year and although we have lost I don’t think they are the sides they once were. I honestly believe we can beat any team on any day as we have tremendous ‘bounce back ability’ and that was demonstrated in the second-half against Blackheath. Rosslyn Park play nice rugby. They have good quality forwards, who give the backs front foot ball to play a good fluid game. We have to match them up front and slow their ball down.”
A few changes to the team see Joe Smart come off the bench at loose head and Alex Gordas move to tight head, with Elliot Booley going on to the bench. Clive Stuart-Smith starts at scrum half replacing Alex Frame, with Andy Uren coming onto the bench. Mike Uren replaces Roger Birkin on the bench.
Cinderford United travels to Cardiff to play Rumney RFC kicking off at 2.30pm. The Stags are also away at Whitehall RFC at 3pm.
Good luck to all Cinderford teams.
Cinderford RFC v Rosslyn Park
15. Mike Wilcox (C)
14. Stef Hawley
13. Sam Hanks
12. Lloyd Evans
11. Sam Baker
10. Mark Davies
9. Clive Stuart-Smith
1. Joe Smart
2. Luke Cole
3. Alex Gordas
4. Lance Randall
5. Milo Reynolds
6. George Mills
7. Chris McNeil
8. George Evans
Replacements:
16. Elliot Booley
17. Dave Wheeler
18. Mike Uren
19. Al Bryan
20. Andy Uren
Pictured – Mike Wilcox