Round 13: Cinderford v Taunton Titans

‘Shell-shocked’ described the atmosphere at Veritas Park at the final whistle on Saturday after the Titans – who had led 32-14 moments after half-time and looked comfortable winners – succumbed to a skilful Sale FC side. The men from Cheshire brought an80-minute game plan which saw them score a whopping 44 unanswered points in the final 35 minutes of the encounter. It was mystifying how and why Taunton seemed to stop competing on a misty December afternoon. The defeat leaves Titans one place off the bottom of the table, sandwiched between Sale in 12^thand Leicester Lions in 14^th. The Lions were also beaten at home,12-40, by second-placed Chinnor.

Chinnor maintain the pressure on leaders Rams who hosted Plymouth Albion in a top 3clash. In a narrow confrontation the team from Reading beat the Devonians22-20. Bishop’s Stortford continued to climb away from trouble, inflicting a13-6 defeat on Darlington Mowden Park. Surprisingly, perhaps, given the grim weather across the country, only two games were postponed – Sedgley Park against Blackheath and Birmingham Moseley’s game with Richmond – but this now leaves the table frustratingly unbalanced as four teams have that game in hand. In the final fixture of the weekend, Rosslyn Park defeated Cinderford 42-29,leaving the Forest of Dean side in the uncomfortable 11^th spot, just two points above Titans.

The away trip to Cinderford this Saturday complete’s the first half of Taunton’s season and never can it have been more important for the county town club to register consecutive victories on the road, following the win at Darlington a fortnight ago. Cinderford’s Beavis Memorial Ground on Dockham Road in the Forest of Dean has a reputation for being open to the elements so warm clothing is the recommendation for those heading up there in support.

The relatively short trip to Cinderford in the Gloucestershire mining town will be seen as a ‘must-win’ by both teams. In February when last the teams met, at Cinderford, Ratu Vakalutukali scored a brace of tries and George Worboys bagged a length-of-the-field interception and nearly kicked the visitors to victory. However, in an encounter which saw the lead change hands several times, Titans required a late try to get back within touching distance. Unfortunately, rather than a touch down close to the posts, it left Worboys with an opportunity from wide out and the crucial conversion was missed, leaving Taunton heartbroken and defeated 38-36.

Formed in 1886 and playing at National League One level since promotion in 2017-18, the men in red, black and yellow finished in 7^thplace last season. Following World War Two it was largely thanks to Bob and Mary Beavis that Cinderford RFC was re-established and in recognition the ground bears their name, Mary having been the club’s Honorary Secretary for fifty years.

Headed up by Director of Rugby Paul Morris and with Clive Stuart-Smith (a former half-back partner of Tony Yapp in his Exeter Chiefs days) coaching the side, Cinderford has a stable squad, often bolstered by players on loan from Hartpury College and Gloucester Rugby. Their forward pack is traditionally gnarly and it will be vital to compete up front with their grisly scrum. In recent times the likes of internationals Harry Williams (Montpellier, Exeter and England), Josh Adams (Worcester, Cardiff, Wales and British &Irish Lions), Freddie Burns (Highlanders and England) and Sam Underhill (Bath and England) have represented Cinderford RFC.

Warriors, whose game on Saturday fell victim to a frozen pitch, head up the slow road to Minehead this weekend to play Minehead Barbarians.

Entrance at Cinderford to The Beavis Memorial Ground is £15.00 per adult for ground entry whilst Under 16s enjoy free entry when accompanying a paying adult. Dogs are strictly not allowed at the ground. Both a two-course formal and a £10 informal pre-match dining options are available. Contact Donna Roberts on 01594 822673 or 07983 021786 for information. Kick-off is at 14.30pm.