Stag party!

By stonehousealbion
October 23 2015

Cinderford are coming to play - on the field and off! Like many of the clubs in Nat 1, they are a full on, across the board, community rugby powerhouse. That means the whole gamit of sporting and social activity. Expect a coachload from the supporters Club and independent travellers as well; all aiming to make a day of it as the RWC semi (Boks v ABs) is showing straight after our fixture. They have a mission statement of "rugby for 6-60, regardless of gender or ability" as well as being a focus on the social front which is something quite apart from our specialisation on the higher level professional game. You can bet they'd love to put one across us this Saturday as we kick off EARLY at 14.00. 

Cinderford are currently second from bottom with just a single win at Wharfedale to date. "We're the nearly men of this division", says club chairman Rob Wurgan who is no stranger to our city, having spent time based in RMB Stonehouse some years back. He says their senior team is currently in transition, "Cinderford have always had a reputation for a strong set piece, but we're trying to broaden this to more of a 15 man game." Easier said than done, of course. Like fellow basement dwellers Blaydon, the wins may be lacking, but they've had some good showings against the leading lights in this league; a narrow loss against Ampthill and a creditable showing in their derby game with Hartpury College - rated by Rob as "the best side we've played this season". A promising start against Richmond last weekend and a narrow lead at half time dissolved into  a comprehensive loss, "We had the scrum on toast, but let their backs run riot in the second half", he admits ruefully.

Asked about players to look out for, his list incudes Chris Bundy (front row), Francisco Bruno (portuguese prop), George Mills (back row), Sam Hanks (centre) and Mike Wilcox (captain/full back). And don't forget their No 2 is ex-Albion hooker and Ladies coach Davie McGregor who will doubtless be aiming to repeat in the scrum what Paul Roberts did from the tee when Esher visited a fortnight ago. Another name that could appear on the team sheet is Jerry Sexton (lock), brother of Ireland's Jonny who was signed on a short term deal from the Chiefs. The constant refrain of no easy games in Nat 1 springs to mind yet again.

After a bit of uncerainty weather-wise, the forecast seems to have straightened itself out into "rain in the morning, followed by a fine afternoon with the possibility of a shower". Could be a bit of a breeze from the NW, mind... Albion will be high on last week's away five pointer at Blaydon, but the the full effect of rehab and recovery on the sick list are not yet known. Billy Searle's fine performance at 10 is reassurance that GD's nose for young talent and potential is undiminished, but the challenge of getting the options right from the off remains. Let's hope the scoreboard isn't pre-set to 0 - 7... Due to the lack of a cup competition and an outbreak of common sense in the Nat 1 fixture dept, there will be no game next week, so we need to get two on the bounce in the bank. No horror stories before Halloween, please guys!

Opposition Profile - Cinderford

Discussion started by Unofficial Plymouth Albion (IP Logged), 23/10/2015 08:37

Unofficial Plymouth Albion
23/10/2015 08:37

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lobina
23/10/2015 14:15

A god rite up, well worth the read.

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BALION PREDATOR
23/10/2015 16:41

Ditto, and I'll have whatever you been drinking lobina

Plymouth Bred , Plymouth Born .

C'mon Albiiioooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.

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King Albion
24/10/2015 09:53

That's a fan pre patch report SA! You could work for Herald at this rate, although you did forget that Jon Dawe is no relation to GoD and that we faced bankruptcy last season... Looking forward to the write up this evening!!

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