Photo’s from Nuneaton RFC Away
Nuneaton RFC 17 – 43 Cinderford RFC
Cornish ALL Blacks Away Results
CORNISH ALL BLACKS 26 – 19 Cinderford RFC
FULL REPORT COMIG SOON
Pete Glanville retires from Cinderford
Pete Glanville retires from Cinderford Andy Deacon steps up to the challenge
As Cinderford RFC (CRFC) toughs it out in National 1 League, the Pride of the Forest club announces its new look management team for the 2010/2011 season.
Following nine years at CRFC, that has seen the Forest club rise up the ranks from South West 1 to National 2 and in 2008 to National 1, Pete Glanville, 38, finally closes this chapter in his rugby career and, as planned with the club since last year, announces his retirement from director of rugby operations position at the end of the season. This move has been coordinated with Andy Deacon hanging up his rugby boots and quitting playing as prop forward for the club at the impressive age of 45!
Currently employed as a player/coach and a legend not only at Gloucester but also at CRFC, Andy has subsequently been appointed as Cinderford’s new director of rugby operations (DORO) and looks forward to the less physical but equally challenging management responsibility in building a stronger team, securing playing rugby at the highest level and developing players through all levels of the club.
Pete joined CRFC in December 2001 as director of rugby and has helped build and develop the squad that saw year on year promotion right up to National 1 level two seasons ago. Club president, Peter Bell, said: “We owe a great deal to Pete in how he has shaped the club, and taken us on an amazing journey leading his back room team, our coaches and players to this level. He also been instrumental in bringing in great players and signing new talent to build the squad we have today.”
Commenting on his retirement, Peter said: “It has been a difficult decision to take and Cinderford has been my rugby life for the last 9 years. I have had a truly rewarding time and am so proud in what we all have achieved; to be one of the top 40 clubs in the England is a great result.” Pete started his rugby career back in 19822 at Longlevens and went on to play as flanker for Gloucester RFC between 1989 and 2000 and captain in 1997. “I am not leaving rugby completely behind and will still be involved in the game supporting local rugby clubs.”
Andy Deacon, started playing senior rugby for local club, Longlevens, at the age of 15 and made his debut for Gloucester in 1989 in a career that spanned three decades, captaining the side for one season in 1994/95 and retiring in 2004. He joined Cinderford in 2005/6.
“I am pleased to rest my battered body and now focus on a management role. We have come along away and it’s my ambition to take us higher still. We have the Championship in our sights and if we play hard and well we can grow. I have the terrific support in Head Coach, Phil Greenaway and Senior Coach, Lee Fortey who have great experience in playing and coaching at this high standard, and are respected and well known,” said Andy Deacon. “I am excited and passionate about this club as we have a great pool of talent and potential to call upon. And with props like Shaun Knight, Phil Kennedy, and Jake Meadows, it’s time for me to handover to the younger crew. Taking over from Pete allows me to continue my involvement in Cindy from pitchside; less physicality but just as demanding and tough.”
“Personally I’d like to say thanks to Pete for bringing me into the club and doing a great job; he will be a hard act to follow!”
BBC Sport Report with Interview with Andy Deacon
Cinderford in a relegation battle
National League One
Cinderford 24 – Cambridge 31
IN-FORM Cambridge avenged their defeat to Cinderford earlier in the season in this incident packed match.
Cinderford contributed much to the game, but for the second week running their defence leaked more than 30 points.
They also failed to take full advantage of two Cambridge yellow cards. Toby Berridge was sin-binned on the half-hour mark, with Karl Rudzski leaving the field five minutes from time.
Cambridge scored first when powerful centre Alex Dodge broke through the midfield and off-loaded to try-scoring machine Handre Schimdt, who didn’t need a second invitation to exploit the available space. Will Martin converted.
Cinderford were soon level, thanks to an interception try by Rob Winchle, converted by Danny Trigg.
The Cambridge scrum repeatedly caved in under pressure from the home pack and a Trigg penalty put Cinderford 10-7 up at the interval.
Cambridge’s big and mobile back five created openings for the backs and a sweeping move produced a try for wing Tony Berridge, converted by Martin.
Again Cinderford bounced back, fly-half Matt James breaking through the midfield before releasing Winchle for a second score. Trigg converted from the touchline.
Martin’s penalty made it 17-17 but Cinderford had the upper hand.
In the final quarter, Cambridge rallied with some powerful play.
Gareth McComb and Dan Hunter broke through Cinderford’s tiring defence for tries, with Martin converting both to put his side 31-17 ahead.
Paul Boston squeezed in at the corner from a long Matt James pass to keep the game alive, with Trigg landing another fine conversion.
Cinderford threw everything at Cambridge in the final minutes, but the visitors’ 14-man defence was solid.
This match was preceded by a minute’s silence for Grant Taylor, who died last week.
Grant came through the Cinderford ranks and played for the club for many years. He also played for Westbury-on-Severn.
Cinderford: Danny Trigg, Rob Winchle, Paul Boston, Dave Knight, Kyle Palm (Tim Stevenson 45), Matt James, Danny Pointon (Sam Arnott, 67), Jake Meadows, Chris Hall, Andy Deacon (Shaun Knight 45), Dave Bufton, Ed King, Rob James, Marcus Brown (Dan Hall, 60), George Evans. Other rep: Lee Fortey. Attendance: 250
Too many silly mistakes
Sedgley Park 39 – 34 Cinderford RFC
THIRTY-FOUR points in a match would usually guarantee Cinderford victory, but their defensive strengths deserted them away at Sedgley Park.
With Otley thrashing Nuneaton, it’s all to play for in the battle for survival.
Cinderford head coach Phil Greenaway said: “We made silly uncharacteristic errors, I thought we were a little bit over-anxious at times and dropped a few balls.
“Usually, we’d expect to win having scored 34 points on the road, but I can’t fault the commitment of the players.
“To be honest, I never thought Otley would go down, but it’s all still in our hands.
“We’ve got an awful lot of injuries with almost a whole team on the sidelines, but we can’t use that as an excuse.”
Both sides scored four tries in this thrilling encounter, but five penalties from Matt Riley turned the game in Park’s favour.
Danny Trigg and Riley exchanged penalties, before Richard Oxley and Tom Blackwell went over for tries to give Park a 15-3 lead after 25 minutes.
Trigg landed a second penalty before converting his own try.
A further exchange of penalties between the two kickers gave the hosts a slender 20-18 advantage at half-time.
Riley’s third penalty extended that advantage, but Cinderford responded with the try of the match from winger Rob Winchle, again converted by Trigg.
Another Riley penalty was followed by a great solo try from Park’s Chris Wilkinson.
Cinderford refused to lie down and number eight George Evans powered over for a score, which Trigg converted.
A fifth penalty from Riley levelled the scores at 34-34 with five minutes remaining.
Phil Largan scrambled over to give the hosts their winning touchdown.
Cinderford hammered away at the home line in the closing stages, but the Tigers defence held out.
Cinderford host Cambridge this Saturday, then tackle consecutive away trips to Launceston and Nuneaton.
On May 8 they take on Blaydon at home, before finishing the season at home to league leaders Esher the following week.
Will Foden left the field with a knee injury against Sedgley Park and is a doubt for this Saturday’s match.
Cinderford: Danny Trigg, Rob Winchle, Dave Knight, Paul Boston, Kyle Palm, Matt James (Tim Stevenson 51), Sam Arnott (Danny Pointon 51), Jake Meadows, Chris Hall, Shaun Knight (Andy Deacon 73), Dave Bufton, Ed King, Will Foden (Marcus Brown 43), Chris McNeil, George Evans. Rep not used: Lee Fortey. Attendance: 281
? CINDERFORD Stags booked their place in the Junior Combination Cup final with a 25-0 win over Berry Hill United at Lakers Road.
It was 0-0 at half-time, but Cinderford forged ahead with tries from Mike Wallis (2) and Nicky Gait.
Luke Beard kicked one conversion and two penalties, with Shane Davies landing a conversion.
Cinderford edge nearer to safety
CINDERFORD RFC 10 – 7 BLACKHEATH RFC
THIS battle in the Dockham Road mud was always going to be a war of attrition, but Cinderford coach Phil Greenaway was delighted with his side’s performance.
He said: “The effort we showed, especially…
It’s Cinderford v Dings in the final
DINGS Crusaders will play Cinderford in this year’s County Cup final at the Prince of Wales Stadium in Cheltenham on Wednesday April 7.
The match will kick-off at 8.15pm because it will be preceded by the final of the County Intermediate Cup, which features Drybrook and Cheltenham North. That match will kick-off at 6.30pm.
Mistakes prove costly for Cinderford
TYNEDALE RFC 33 – 19 CINDERFORD RFC
CINDERFORD’S injury problems are mounting ahead of this Saturday’s home clash with Blackheath (3pm).
Loosehead prop Phil Kennedy hurt his knee in the warm-up against Tynedale, which meant a late call-up for Lee Fortey.
Travelling reserve Steve Barnes took Fortey’s place on the bench.
Prop Jake Meadows continued at hooker, because of injuries to Adrian Duncan, Nigel Matthews and Chris Hall.
Danny Wright, Chris Jones and long-term casualty Adam Nicholls also remain on the sick list.
Lee Fortey said: “Tynedale are a good side, but I thought we played some decent rugby.
“Some decisions went against us and we conceded some soft tries, but we came off the pitch generally happy with how we had played.
“We’ll keep positive and move forward. With the injuries we’ve got, I imagine we’ll only do light training this week.”
Tynedale – who have now won their last four matches – scored three converted tries in the first-half through Andrew Murray, Joe Graham and Greg Irvin. Gavin Beasley kicked all of the conversions.
The Foresters got a foothold back into the match when Tynedale prop John Williams was sin-binned following a scuffle.
They cut the deficit to 21-8 with a try from Fortey and a Danny Trigg penalty.
Tynedale started the second-half strongly and stretched their advantage with an Ali Gray touchdown.
It was then Cinderford’s turn to lose their discipline – Mike Panoho getting a yellow card for stamping in a ruck, just four minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Twelve minutes later, a fine backs move by Cinderford prompted by fly-half Matty James was finished off by winger Robert Winchle.
Trigg missed the conversion, but kicked a 70th minute penalty to reduce the deficit to seven points.
However, a smart break by Tynedale’s Charlie Ingall was finished off impressively by a spectacular run to the line from halfway by England Counties centre Jack Harrison.
Cinderford: Danny Trigg, Rob Winchle, Paul Boston, Dave Knight, Kyle Palm, Matt James (rep Tim Stevenson 77), Sam Arnott (rep Danny Pointon 77), Lee Fortey (rep Steve Barnes 68), Jake Meadows, Andy Deacon (rep Shaun Knight 49), Dave Bufton (rep Mike Panoho 49), Ed King, Will Foden, Chris McNeil, George Evans. Attendance: 485
CINDERFORD Stags played some outstanding rugby to beat Old Richians A 32-0.
Mike Wallis, Jake Hinds, Gareth Baldwin, Danny Parry and Matt Bowles scored first-half tries, with Nathan Green kicking one conversion for a 27-0 lead.
The visitors were much more competitive after the interval, but the Stags did manage one more try, an excellent effort from James Pritchard.
Tyne for Foresters to step up
CINDERFORD are aiming to get something out of their long trip to Tynedale tomorrow to help ease their National One relegation worries.
The side from the North East sit fourth with a formidable home record which includes 10 wins from 12 at their ground.
However, Foresters coach Lee Fortey is drawing on the positives from their 29-13 win over Newbury last time and hopes to bring something back to the Forest of Dean.
“With this part of the season everyone knows what it is about. They are quite a good team,” he said.
“I just think we have got to go up there and play and try and get something out of the game whether that is a losing bonus point or a four-try scoring bonus point.
“We are not going up there to lose, we are going there to get something. With eight games to go we are not out of that hole yet.”
The Dockham Road team are just six points ahead of Otley in the relegation zone but just five points separate Cinderford and the next five sides above them.
And with the Foresters holding two games in hand, Fortey knows they are in a strong position to move up.
“We are just above that relegation zone now and have a couple of games in hand and if you look at the group above us some of those team’s results are going to go our way and some are not,” he added.
“Newbury and Stourbridge both have tough run-ins and we have still got to play Sedgeley Park and Blackheath so it is going to be interesting.”
Cinderford will be fresh after no game last week and Tim Stevenson, Sam Arnott and Jake Meadows are putting pressure on the first team from the seconds.
Once Cinderford scored against Newbury the pressure fell off and Fortey knows they can do some real damage.
“One of these days when we put it all together and play for 80 minutes we are going to give someone an absolute roasting,” Fortey added.
Esher won’t be coming
CINDERFORD Rugby Club stand to lose around £5,000 because Saturday’s opponents Esher have cried off.
League leaders Esher have been allowed to postpone their National Division One match because they have six players in the England Counties squad for Friday’s night international match against France Amateurs in Lille.
That is no consolation to Cinderford, however, who were due to hold one of their biggest sponsorship days of the entire season.
It also means there isn’t a single first-team rugby fixture in the Forest this Saturday, with Lydney, Hartpury College, Berry Hill, Drybrook, Bream and Newent all scheduled to play away. Westbury-on-Severn do not have a league game this week.
Cinderford’s commercial manager Matt Bayliss explained: “JCB were set to sponsor the Esher match following their recent business deal with KW Bell.
“This was going to be a big day for Cinderford Rugby Club and some of JCB’s top dignitaries were going to be coming to the town.
“We’re talking about something that could provide a major boost for the whole Forest economy.
“A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes, but it’s all been cut dead. We’re very disappointed.”
Cinderford tried to find alternative opponents for Saturday without any luck.
Esher are one of the best supported clubs in National One with a strong team seemingly Championship bound. “We’ve now got to play them on May 15,” added Mr Bayliss.
“It could be a meaningless game because they might already have won the league, while hopefully we will be safe.”
Cinderford were originally due to host Esher in January, but that match was postponed because of bad weather.
Extending Cinderford’s fixture list well into May could have a big impact on Gloucestershire’s County Championship bid too – because Cinderford’s players are now unlikely to be available for the county. Gloucestershire take on Devon at Plymouth RFC on May 15.
Ivor Horscroft, secretary of the National Clubs’ Association, confirmed Esher were well within their rights to call the game off.
He said: “England Counties is an international team.
“Any side losing three or more players is entitled to postpone their club game.
“As for county rugby, the leagues always take priority.”
