Cinderford Preview

After a week off, Titans go back on the road this Saturday with a relatively short trip to Cinderford in the Forest of Dean. The men from the Gloucestershire mining town are having a good season and lie in 6^thplace in the table, though they lost their most recent fixture away at Birmingham-Moseley by 39-28. Formed in 1886 and playing at National League One level since promotion in 2017-18, they finished in 5^th place last season, the club’s highest ever position since league rugby was introduced.

When Cinderford last visited Somerset in October, they took the spoils back up the M5 with them. The score line, 12-23, did not perhaps reflect the close nature of the contest and both sets of fans seemed in agreement that the Titans were desperately unfortunate not to be awarded not just one, but two penalty tries which would have tipped the balance back in the home side’s favour.

Coached by Director of Rugby Paul Morris and with Clive Stuart-Smith (a former half-back partner of Tony Yapp in their Exeter Chiefs days) coaching the side, Cinderford has a stable squad, often bolstered by players on loan from the likes of Worcester Warriors and Gloucester Rugby. In recent times the likes of internationals Harry Williams (Exeter and England),Josh Adams (Worcester, Cardiff, Wales and British & Irish Lions), Freddie Burns (Leicester and England) and Sam Underhill (Bath and England) have represented Cinderford RFC.

The wise advice seems to be to wrap up warm for those braving the trip to Cinderford’s Beavis Memorial Ground on Dockham Road. With a gap of eight points now between Titans in the relegation zone and both Darlington and Esher who occupy the ‘safety seats’ in the table, the lads could really use some vocal support home and away for the remainder of the season, starting at Cinderford.

It wasn’t just England in the Six Nations who had a bad day on Saturday. Results didn’t go Taunton’s way as both Birmingham-Moseley and Chinnor recorded victories to pull away from the relegation dogfight. Still, after a terrific performance in their most recent outing against Esher, Titans have every reason to believe they can battle to safety before the season is over.

Entrance to The Beavis Memorial Ground is £15.00 per adult for ground entry whilst Under 16senjoy free entry when accompanying a paying adult. Both a two-course formal and a £10 informal pre-match dining options are available. Contact Donna Roberts on01594 822673 or 07983 021786 for information. Kick-off is at 3.00pm.

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