Cinderford Match Report

Stroud 7 Cinderford 22

On Sunday Cinderford RFC U14s travelled to Stroud for their first pool match in this year's U14s Junior County Cup competition. This was a keenly fought contest, played on a very muddy surface, but at least it wasn't raining!

The opening exchanges saw both sides make a number of unforced errors and infringements but Cinderford scrum half Rhys Gardiner brought this sequence to an end when he whipped the ball out quickly from the back of a scrum to Nathan Francis who turned on the speed and dodged several tackles before racing up the wing to open the scoring with a try in the corner, which went unconverted.



Cinderford's game steadily improved over the remainder of the first half and there were moments of individual quality, from players like Nathan Francis with more strong attacking runs on the wing; also Adam Briginshaw on the opposite wing, who demonstrated his skills with a finely executed kick and chase move; and Tom Ward and Luke Kell, who combined well in the centre of the park. But, despite all Cinderford's hard work, the Stroud defence stood firm and at half time the score remained at 5-0 to Cinderford.

Half Time : Stroud 0 Cinderford 5

The second half saw both teams come out with a good deal more aggression to their play and attacking rugby was clearly the game plan of both sides, although the initial flow was interrupted by a series of unforced handling errors and niggling infringements. Cinderford stretched their lead when No.8 Chance Ridler, back from injury, broke through the Stroud defence near the half way line and ran on strongly before popping the ball into the path of Tom Ward, who raced away to score a try at the posts. Jack Hopkins' conversion kick took the score line to 12-0.



The back row combination of Chance Ridler and Liam Littleton continued to apply pressure on Stroud with their strong, abrasive attacking styles but, Stroud soaked it up and, with some determined and disciplined rugby of their own, the home side looked to counter and take the game back to Cinderford strongly. However, from an attacking Cinderford lineout, Littleton collected the ball and broke through a gap and was able to link up with his backs at the start of a move that was finished by fullback Adam Wilce, who went over for Cinderford's third try to make it 17-0.

Cinderford pressed forward again from the restart and were soon awarded a scrum in their opponents half. From a quick put in at a scrum by replacement scrum half Charlie Gayther, the ball was hooked sharply back to Chance Ridler, who snatched it up and embarked on a fierce run at the Stroud defence. Then, for the second time in the match, Ridler sent Tom Ward away with a well timed final pass, with Ward sprinting to the line from 20-meters out. The conversion attempt was missed and the score remained at 22-0.



Although the result was beyond doubt by this time Stroud refused to give up, putting Cinderford under unrelenting pressure immediately from the restart, which saw Stroud score a well deserved consolation try under the posts shortly before the end of the match, which they duly converted to take the final score to 22-7 to Cinderford.

This game was fiercely but fairly contested by both sides on the pitch and the Stroud home supporters ensured the visiting team and supporters enjoyed a warm and friendly welcome, which was much appreciated by the travelling Cinderford contingent.