Boxing Day Annual Match
Reds 12 Yellows 10
A large crowd gathered to watch Cinderford RFC's annual boxing day match at the Bridge ground. The usual Vets against the Stags (3rds) was reorganised due to the strength of the current Stags side.
Since gaining promotion last season they are unbeaten, having won all 11 games ! The 46 players on show were arranged into two even squads, the Reds and the Yellows.
Battle commenced with furious tackling from both sides dominating the game. With no quarter being asked and none given this was not a game for the feint hearted. The yellow pack slowly began to assert authority winning excellent go forward ball for their talented back line. Their outside half, Johnny Gait broke the thin red defensive line to glide towards the try line, drew the full back and feed winger Scott Robbins to score wide out. This proved to be the only score of the half.
Half Time : Reds 0 Yellows 5
The Red Pack was considerably strengthened for the 2nd half with big second row Chris 'Too Tall' Williams dominating the scrum and line outs. The Reds now had the Yellows penned back in their 22. Scrum followed scrum and ruck followed ruck but try as they might they were unable to ground the ball despite crossing the line several times. A penalty to the Yellows relieved the pressure. Quick ball from Spike Ridler to Johnny Gait led to 'find of the season' flanker Jake Hinds crossing for the Yellow's second try.
This respite was short lived as the mighty Red pack drove back into the Yellow 22. From a series of drives Red scrum half Danny Parry wriggled through a mass of bodies to touch down between the posts. Luke Beard added the conversion. 10 - 7 and five minutes of play remaining.
The Red machine laid siege to the Yellow line again. Their rearguard action was magnificent, holding out attack after attack. With the clock winding down one last terrific drive allowed flanker Chris Hale to score the winning try for the Red team. A failed conversion brought the game to an end leaving the Reds victorious at 12 - 10.
A rapturous applause from the large crowd greeted both teams as they formed the traditional tunnel to respect each other and the officials.
 |
| |
© 2007 Mike Charnock | Designed & Maintained by MTC Online