Played at Croesyceiliog on 8/12/2013.
Cinderford travelled to Croesyceiliog with only the minimum number of players, so they knew this was going to be a tough encounter. Cinderford not having played this opposition before were on a high from the previous weeks performance against Cwmbran so were eager to do a double over our “Welsh” neighbours.
The game kicked off and Cinderford had much of the early territorial advantage but found it hard to break down some stout defence. After their early domination, Cinderford found themselves trailing to a Croesyceiliog try and after the conversion was missed, Cinderford were behind 5-0. Following the re-start, Cinderford again dominated the play and were rewarded with a fine try from Jack Guy, which he converted to give Cinderford a deserved 7-5 lead. In the final minutes of a tight first half, Croesyceiliog stole a 5 metre line out and broke through the Cinderford defence to score another try to take a slender half-time lead of 10-7.
Early in the second half, Croesyceiliog, against the run of play scored a further try to extend their lead to 15-7. This seemed to inspire Cinderford to rally the troops as it were and the boys never looked back for the rest of the game. Will Baldwin scored a fine try to reduce Croesyceiliog’s lead to 15-12 following some superb forward play. Andy Poultney’s coaching is certainly paying off! Another 3 Will Baldwin tries followed ( that takes Will’s try count to 9 in the last 2 games) and a Jack Guy conversion to give Cinderford a well deserved 29-15 victory.
This was a fabulous all round team performance with some of Cinderford’s players playing out of position due to injury and illness. Particular mentions to Louis Brennan (scrum half) and Ben Thompson (centre). 2 members of the front row forgot their socks so a pretty sight it was not?- they know who they are! (not Matt!!)
Cinderford’s “men of the match” were Matt Cooke (forwards) and Jack Robbins (backs).
Cinderford Squad.
Josh Haddock. Matt Cooke, Jacob Smith, Finlay Poultney, Toby Powell, Connor Gresty, Morgan Peates, Josh Tull, Louis Brennan, Jack Guy, Ben Thompson, Ethan Brookes, Will Baldwin, Jack Robbins, Joe Smith.
Next week, Cinderford play Berry Hill in the Combination Cup final @ Drybrook.