Midsomer Norton 31–17 Cinderford United
United manager Paul Morris spoke of his pride in the team following Saturday’s defeat at Midsomer Norton, with a side featuring three 18-year-olds and three 20-year-olds taking on an established opposition.
Sean Gardner’s try brought United level at 5–5 before a converted driving-maul try in first-half injury time gave the hosts a 12–5 lead at the break.
Midsomer Norton extended their advantage before Charlie Stallard’s interception try and conversion brought United back to 19–12. The hosts then pulled clear, with Gardner crossing for his second try late on to complete the scoring.
Reflecting on the match, Paul said:
“Whilst disappointed to lose, my feelings are mainly ones of pride in a valiant and passionate United performance. A side including three 18-year-olds — one of whom played scrum-half for the first time ever, and what a job he made of it — and three 20-year-olds went toe to toe with a side that has been together quite a while and are also a good side that played well on the day.
“Midsomer Norton deserved to win, and their defence and driving maul were of a high level. However, despite this being our third league defeat, I saw real progress from a very committed Cinderford side.
“A lot of skill, a lot of guts and spirit and no little skill. All the ‘youngsters’ are making progress. We have work-ons and lessons to learn, and we will learn them.
“This league is a step up from last season, and individual quality is not enough. We need to get better as a team, and we are already looking forward to next week.”