Cinderford Determined to Deliver a Strong Performance at Esher RFC
Saturday 14 December (KO 3pm) National 1
Friday 13 December: Following a nail biting win over Tynedale last weekend, Cinderford RFC travels away this Saturday for a tough fixture against Esher RFC who sit in the top tier of the National 1 table. Looking to claim the away victory that has so far eluded the Forest side, a fresh face appears in the line up. Former Gloucester captain and premiership player Adam Balding makes his debut for his new club, at 6, after starting training this week.
Looking back at last Saturday’s victory, DOR Andy Deacon said: “We didn’t play particularly well but a win is a win, however ugly. We had a poor first half but rallied and stepped up after the half time to take the game.”
“Adam Balding coming into the squad, this week, will only help our quest to climb up the league table, with the experience, power and organisation he will bring to the players. I am sure he will be a figurehead that the younger guys will look up to as a former Gloucester captain. Along with our other experienced players, he will help to galvanise the side, but as a collective we cannot go away from hard work, spirit and a bloody-minded determination to do well.”
“Esher is a top four side with real ambition to get back into the Championship, that said I am optimistic we can do something and get points from the game. We just have to put a performance together for the full 80 minutes. All season we have struggled with consistency throughout a game and that’s one of the biggest challenges for us. We have trained well this week and focused on keeping the ball and not succumbing to the pressure to create something and as a result force errors.”
The side faces just a few changes this week starting with the debut of Adam Balding on the back row and Roger Birkin moving to the bench, also joining George Mills who comes back into the squad. Reece Boughton returns to the side at scrum half in place of Clive Stuart-Smith, and Lance Randall comes into the second row for Ed King. Tom Heard starts at loose head replacing an injured Chris Bundy.
“We know that Esher will be a tough opponent but that just makes us more determined.”
Other team news sees Esher RFC Cardinals travel in the opposite direction to play Cinderford United at Dockham Road, KO 2.30pm. Playing in the Rugby Shield Division1, Esher are in third position while United are in 8th. The Cinderford Stags are away to Old Centralians 2nd XV with a kick off at 2.30pm.
Good luck to all teams.
Cinderford RFC
Backs:
15. Stef Hawley
14. Sam Baker
13. Alex Pickersgill
12. Jack Adams
11. Nev Codlin
10. Mark Davies
9. Reece Boughton
Forwards:
1. Tom Heard
2. Finlay Sinclair
3. Elliot Booley
4. Harry Casson
5. Lance Randall
6. Adam Balding
7. Joe Garner
8. George Evans (capt)
Replacements:
16. Roger Birkin
17. George Mills
18. Clive Stuart-Smith
19. Tom Bozzard
20. Lee Fortey
Pictured: Nev Codlin