Cinderford RFC

This Sunday sees the first round of the County Cup which is being run as a round robin competition,with home and away games and whoever coming out on top takes the winning title. Cinderford RFC play Dings Crusaders at their Beavis Memorial Ground in what will be a tough encounter in the first leg of this longstanding and renowned competition.

The Cinderford XV presents a mix of experience and youth in an exciting blend. Danny Trigg retains his place on the First XV side after impressing in last week's league fixture against Rosslyn Park. Jack Wakefield and Nathan Green make their first XV debut having played consistently well for Cinderford United. Kai Done and Dewi Scourfield present an experienced midfield; with a back line led by Pete Towers at ten. Scrum half Luke Carter gets to start and more game time after a long period out with injury.

James Brooks, after returning to play for Cinderford, looks to establish himself at loose head while Chris Bundy starts as tight head continuing his rehab from a shoulder injury. Sam Wilkes retains his place as hooker building on his game time after his illness, and following an impressive 60 minute performance last weekend.
Second rowers, Roger Birkin is a new signing from Clevedon RFC and Rich Mountford gets a chance to make his first team debut after impressing in the United games, as does Ashley Brown at six and Jake Kitson at seven will relish the chance to start after coming off the bench for the first xv this season. Ben Sparks starts his first XV at eight, a recent new signing from Stourbridge, and will be wanting to impress the coaches in this high class fixture.

On the bench is experienced prop Joe Smart,alongside Mike Baldwin and Tom Napier as the front five replacements and Nicky Gait, an experienced United winger. Stefan Hawley and Nico Woodward will be looking for game time off the bench following return to fitness after injuries.

Said Andy Deacon director of rugby: "Dings will push us hard and it will be a great chance for the coaches to see the strength and depth of the squad and observe players we don't always get much chance to see, as they all push for selection for the next league game. We also have to uphold the high standard of play and good form that we have seen in recent league games but this pressure does tend to bring out the best in us. It's important also that we support such traditional competitions in our county so I call out to all rugby supporters to come and watch on Sunday in what will be a bright and cold day. Our next Cup fixture is away to Old Patesians."

Cinderford RFC

15 Danny Trigg (capt)
14 Jack Wakefield
13 Kai Done
12 Dewi Scourfield
11 Nathan Green
10 Pete Towers
9 Luke Carter

1 James Brooks
2 Sam Wilkes
3 Chris Bundy
4 Roger Birkin
5 Rich Mountford
6 Ashley Brown
7 Jake Kitson
8 Ben Sparks

Replacements: Joe Smart, Mike Baldwin, Tom Napier, Nicky Gait, Stefan Hawley, Nico Woodward