Cinderford United 38 Luctonians 2nds 19

A good crowd at Dockham Road saw a new look United XV see off Luctonians second string in the Saturday sunshine.

‘Lucs’, whose 1^st XV are back in National 3 (N) looked a vastly improved team since their last appearance in the Forest nevertheless they were no match for a Cinderford side who were a rich mixture of exciting young talent and experienced old hands.

Full-back Danny Trigg was first on the scoreboard hitting the line at pace to latch onto inside-centre Paul Boston’s cut- out pass and steam over for a try. However the United’s lead proved short as Luctonians ran from a penalty in their own 22 with their inspirational scrum-half  Arran Jones touching down in the Cinderford end for a try that he also converted.

 Trigg soon struck again by weaving his way to the line for a try after good work from the half-back pairing of Tom Edwards and Chris Anderson. This time he made no mistake with the conversion and five minutes later successfully converted another goal after the classy Boston had plucked a loose Luctonians pass out of the air to race in for an interception try.

Cinderford lost the services of fly-half Anderson when the former Cardiff RFC player took a nasty blow to the kidneys  but Edwards a former Ebbw Vale and Bedwas scrum-half moved over to show his versatility in the number ten position with replacement Rob Berry taking over in the scrum-half berth. Livewire wing Mark Betty added to Cinderford’s tally by beating three would be tacklers on the outside to scorch over in the corner.

Luctonians hit back with a try from Jones before Cinderford increased their lead with a try from second-row Alex Hughes who stormed over after a great surge from half-way. Luctonians again responded with a try but the now visibly tiring Herefordshire men could not contain Cinderford’s last grunt and grind effort that saw inspirational veteran hooker Mike Wallis crash over for a try.

To sum up this was a good first effort from the United XV players who will know that they have everything to play for after the 1^st teams disappointing display at Barking.

BARKING 34 CINDERFORD 7

BARKING 34 CINDERFORD 7

EXPECTATIONS were high but Cinderford simply failed to deliver and were comprehensively beaten by National League One newcomers Barking in their opening match of the new season.

The late withdrawal of second-row Chris Jones meant that Foresters’ lineout misfired badly.

This coupled with poor ball retention in the tackle meant they struggled to impose their game plan on their opponents – something the new coaching team will be looking to rectify very quickly.
Barking dominated the opening 20 minutes before, against the run of play, Cinderford took a fortunate lead.

Wing Nevaro Codlin (pictured above) charged down a clearance kick from his opposite number Scott Alfield before racing clear to touch down. New fly half Mark Woodrow added the extras with a simple kick.

However, that only spurred the home side on and Alfield immediately made up for his error with a powerful break down the middle.

With a quick ball coming from the breakdown, flanker James Ngan was set free to dot down in the corner.

Alfeld was involved again moments later when the home side took the lead, collecting a poor clearance kick before teeing up opposite wing David Vincent to score. Harry Owens converted to give Barking a 12-7 lead.

Cinderford were then given a lifeline as two separate yellow cards for indiscretions among the Barking forwards either side of the half-time whistle allowed the visitors back into the game. They were unable to take advantage however, as the home side made light of their disadvantage and ran in four further unanswered scores.

Benjamin Thomas and Luke Greatex combined for a terrific breakaway score before a second from Vincent and a Nick Fraser run put the game beyond the Foresters.

Owens then scored the pick of the scores with the sixth and final effort, showing some slick footwork and searing pace to sprint clear of the Cinderford tacklers.

JAKE BOER JOINS CINDERFORD RFC

31 AUGUST 2010 – Cinderford RFC has announced that South African Jake Boer is joining the Forest club in the role of player/defensive coach, after last week’s news highlighting the discussions with Andy Deacon, director of rugby.

Jake was considering a number of options in and out of the sport after unexpectedly being released from Gloucester Rugby, but following lengthy discussions over a number of weeks chose Cinderford. Jake looks forward to a long-standing relationship with the club and furthering his role. Impressed with the set up, he liked the ambition and direction of the national one team.

Commenting on the appointment, Andy Deacon said: “Jake had received a number of decent offers but after much consideration decided on Cinderford. His appointment completes the structure of our strong coaching team. One of his major strengths is defense and he will be a great asset to the squad, adding to the professionalism of our club and raising the standard on and off the field with the presence and experience that he will bring. It’s a big capture for us as he is a much sought after player, and potentially it will bring more people through the gate and help raise Cinderford’s profile.”

Dave Pointon, senior coach, added: “ Lee (Fortey, forwards coach) and I are looking forward to working with Jake both in his coaching role and as a back row player. He will inspire the others with his determination and focus as he eases himself into the club when he starts training with us on Tuesday, and preparing for his first league game with us in the coming weeks.”

Andy Deacon is upbeat about the performance of the new squad following a win over Bonymaen in their last friendly ahead of the first National 1 league game away to Barking this Saturday September 4^th.

Footnote: Wednesday 1^st September – Kicking off at 7.30pm Cinderford is running out against the Chepstow 1 Rifles Regiment in a charity game to raise much needed funds for our wounded service personnel, in support of Help 4 Heroes. Entry is just a £3 donation to the charity and an auction after the game promises to generate more monies for the great cause. Please lend your support on the night.

CINDERFORD RFC 54 – BONYMAEN 5

Cinderford completed their preparations for the coming season with an impressive eight- try victory over Welsh Division 1 (East) side Bonymaen.

The home side opened the scoring after just eight minutes when a well executed move brought a try for winger Nev Codlin which Mark Woodrow converted.

A yellow card for the visitors hooker then saw Cinderford take full advantage of the extra man when Sam Wilkes touched down for a try following a lineout catch and drive from 10m out, with Woodrow landing the conversion.

Some fine handling by home backs then created a try for full-back Dan Trigg, with Woodrow again adding the extras.

More quick hands then saw Wilkes put Kyle Palm away with the left winger just making the line for the first of hat-trick of tries.

Just before the half-time whistle Palm scored  again, finishing off another great handling move, with Woodrow’s conversion making it 35-0 at the interval.

Cinderford created another scoring chance straight from the re-start but the final pass went to ground. However it wasn’t long before they were over again with Woodrow this time getting the touchdown.

Palm then completed his hat-trick showing good pace to race clear through under the posts,

Woodrow again converting.

After this the match lost much of its shape as both sides brought on their replacements, but there was time for Bonymaen to score a well deserved consolation try.

Right on the final whistle the referee awarded Cinderford a penalty try which Mark Davies converted to complete the scoring.

CHEPSTOW 1 RIFLES REGIMENT IN H4H CHARITY GAME

Wednesday 1st September – Kicking off at 7.30pm Cinderford is running out against the Chepstow 1 Rifles Regiment in a charity game to raise much needed funds for our wounded service personnel, in support of Help 4 Heroes. Entry is just a £3 donation to the charity and an auction after the game promises to generate more monies for the great cause.

Andy Deacon, director of rugby operations, is upbeat about the performance of the new squad and how the team’s rugby is working well in readiness for the first National 1 league game away to Barking on September 4th

THIS SATURDAY: Club Open Day – All Welcome!

BONYMAEN RFC IN LAST PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

Cinderford RFC meets Swansea-based Bonymaen in the last friendly this Saturday 28^th August at Dockham Road. Kick off is at 2.30pm and entry is free with a donation to the club’s charity of the year, Help for Heroes.

Saturday also sees the Forest club holding an Open Day on the 28^th August for members and, more importantly, non-members from the community to come enjoy the last pre-season rugby and a BBQ while checking out the exciting new refurbishments and facilities, following an extensive revamp over the summer. It’s also a great chance to meet the players and faces behind CRFC between 12.00 and 8.00pm.

CINDERFORD 12 LLANDOVERY 21

Welsh Premiership side Llandovery warmed up for their opening league game against Swansea next Saturday with a victory over a hard working Cinderford team.

Danny Trigg missed an early penalty chance for the home team but the Welshmen were on top for most of the opening quarter .The home defence held firm and eventually they broke away  upfield with Kyle Palm racing through before the ball was quickly recycled and fed  to winger Nev Codlin who sped over for the opening try of the match.

The visitors continued to dominate possession and territory and eventually they made the pressure tell with two tries in as many minutes just before half-time.

Hooker Adam Yelland scored the first after the ball went through numerous pairs of hands, then straight from the re-start winger Efan Evans just managed to win a race to touchdown. Both of the tries were converted by Howard Thomas to make the half-time score 5-14.

Cinderford rung the changes at the start of the second-half and a charging run from Chris Jones

almost brought a score for the home team , but the ball was knocked on.

Llandovery crossed for their third try when an attempted clearance was charged down by Lee Rees and he kicked through to score with Thomas again converting.

With ten minutes remaining home scrum-half Luke Carter went over for a try which Mark Davies converted to set up a close finish, but the visitors comfortably saw out the closing stages of the match to run out deserved winners, in a match which proved to be useful workout for both teams.

Bristol loan ex-Lydney fly-half Davies to Cinderford

CINDERFORD has made another big signing with the arrival of former Lydney fly-half Mark Davies on a season-long loan from Championship side Bristol.

The former Gloucester man was in the squad that beat Cross Keys 22-18 last Saturday at Dockham Road but did not make it onto the pitch.However, Davies joins fellow new stand-off Mark Woodrow as the Foresters’ options at ten and goes into the squad for the visit of Welsh Premiership outfit Llandovery tomorrow.

“It is all signed and it will put a bit of pressure on Mark Woodrow,” said director of rugby Andy Deacon. “It was a difficult one because of his availability and we do not know when he is going to be available because Bristol have the first say on that but it does give us options.” The Welsh team should provide a slightly more difficult test than Cross Keys did last week after finishing higher in the table then their countrymen did last year.

Deacon will rotate his squad following their 8-0 victory over county rivals Coney Hill on Tuesday night and he wants to see his side sharpen up. “The game in midweek was very scrappy and because we put a lot of new players in and we had a couple making their debuts there were problems with continuity,” he added. “We won again and took positives out of it and we will just add to that side that played last Saturday. Llandovery will be the hardest fixture we have faced. That was the idea and they will be tough, there are certain areas we have to work on like the scrum and tidy up the line out as well and work on that.”

Meanwhile Deacon says having centres Dewi Scourfield and Luke Plummer plus lock Chris Jones back fit is like having three new players.

He added: “Dewi has been the most consistent player in all the years I have been at Cinderford. He missed a lot of last season and it really showed. We had Dewi out for three months, we had Luke Plummer out for three months and we had Chris Jones out for three months so it is like having three new signings.”

The game will kick-off at 2.30pm at Dockham Road and not 3pm.

Hill make Foresters sweat in friendly

CINDERFORD XV 8 CONEY HILL 0

CINDERFORD won their second pre-season game against county rivals Coney Hill but had to sweat it out against a side two levels below them, writes Will Wood, The Citizen.

National Three South West outfit Hill put in a spirited display in their first run out of the new campaign and looked the better team for a lot of the match.

In the end the Foresters’ defence was just too hard for the Metz Way side to crack with Alan Bryan’s try and Martin Knight’s penalty settling proceedings at Dockham Road.

An uneventful opening quarter of the match was nearly brought to life when Coney Hill winger Paddy Knight chipped ahead and Cinderford’s Danny Trigg only just won the race.

Paul Morris’ men were piling the pressure on, giving the home team’s defence a thorough work out ahead of their National One opener at National Two South champions Barking on September 4.

But against the run of play Cinderford snatched what turned out to be the only try of the match on 38 minutes.

Andy Deacon’s team had barely caught a sight of Hill’s try-line in the first half but broke out of defence to set up camp there.

Patient probing eventually saw Dewi Scourfield spin the ball out to centre partner Bryan to go over but Knight missed the conversion.

However, the former Coney Hill and Lydney full-back was not to be denied after 55 minutes when he dispatched a simple penalty from in front of the posts to extend their lead further in the second period.

That was to be the end of Cinderford’s attacking endeavours despite a much-improved performance after half-time as Hill went in search of a score.

Morris’ men laid siege on Cinderford’s line but in the end the home team’s defence kept them out.

Cinderford RFC 8 Coney Hill 0

Try scored by centre, Alan Bryan and penalty kicked by full back, Martin Knight.

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