First, Cinderford is a village in the Forest of Dean, close to Gloucester, a powerhouse of rugby football. I have to state that because I was unaware prior to today. Before kick-off they were a place above Blackheath in National League One.
They brought fifty-odd fans to the Rectory Field this afternoon for what turned out to be a very decent game of rugby. Cinderford were quickly out of the blocks and raced into a two try lead. I was concerned for Club at this point but the sages around me were adamant that this was typical of Blackheath and that a recovery was anticipated. Before half-time Blackheath rallied with a try and a penalty and the deficit was duly cut.
After the break Blackheath upped the ante and their backs began to cut big holes in the Cinderford line which meant most of the match was now played in Cinderford's half. Rory Teague (a cousin of England's Mike) began to dominate play and with excellent support from Liam Gibson and Richard Lankshear put Cinderford under the cosh. Man-of-the-Match Jack Walsh buzzed about to connect play between the pack and the backs as Club pressed home their advantage.
There were some excellent tries and the quality of the kicking both for points and for touch was excellent from both sides.
Add half a dozen pints of Belhaven Grand Slam into the mix and I am glad I didn't stay at home to listen to the one-nil defeat at Hull.
After the break Blackheath upped the ante and their backs began to cut big holes in the Cinderford line which meant most of the match was now played in Cinderford's half. Rory Teague (a cousin of England's Mike) began to dominate play and with excellent support from Liam Gibson and Richard Lankshear put Cinderford under the cosh. Man-of-the-Match Jack Walsh buzzed about to connect play between the pack and the backs as Club pressed home their advantage.
There were some excellent tries and the quality of the kicking both for points and for touch was excellent from both sides.
Add half a dozen pints of Belhaven Grand Slam into the mix and I am glad I didn't stay at home to listen to the one-nil defeat at Hull.
Sounds like Blackheath Rugby club won't be biting their nails at home to Bristol City on 4th May as is looking increasingly likely for Charlton, though I hope that is a case of pessimism in the extreme.
ReplyDeleteWe should pick up enough points to drag us over the line with a decent run of home games in March, but the old season ticket issue might not be sorted till mid April when we are assured of safety.
As for Blackheath Rugby Club I always intend to go. I got married in Our Lady of Grace across the road (I'm Irish and 2/3 of guests were the same) and half of those guests missed the wedding for the sake of a couple of pints in the rugby club as a warm up for the reception. That very same day Charlton threw away a 2-0 lead against Scunthorpe and went on to achieve the greatest points total n their history. We can only hope some of that spirit is resurrected in the next few weeks and we do enough to survive. I really think we will. If we don't, I can't imagine buying a season ticket to see the likes of Crawley and Oldham if they stay up and Yeovil or Tranmere if they don't go up.
Come on lads - get us over th finishing line!!!
Anon - twelve quid for entry and a programme. You will be made very welcome. We aren't going anywhere.
ReplyDeleteFunny place Cinderford, it's probably about 30 minutes from me and I have friends who live there. I had no idea they even had a Rugby team.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that they brought the 50 or so fans is interesting as in general, forest folk rarely venture out of their little area.
There's not much in Cinderford at all, though there is an old jail close by (Littledean Jail) which is a black museum, quite an eye opener. Shrunken heads, Nazi memorabilia and a collection of stuffed freaks...
Funny place Cinderford, it's probably about 30 minutes from me and I have friends who live there. I had no idea they even had a Rugby team.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that they brought the 50 or so fans is interesting as in general, forest folk rarely venture out of their little area.
There's not much in Cinderford at all, though there is an old jail close by (Littledean Jail) which is a black museum, quite an eye opener. Shrunken heads, Nazi memorabilia and a collection of stuffed freaks...
The Exile - after home games those not driving gather in the club house for a post match drink and when the players are wshed and dressed and present, Blackheath announce the man-of-the-match and thank the visiting side. The announcer was particularly complimentary about the welcome afforded Blackheath whenever they visit Cinderford. One of the regulars said it was the best away match of the season - praise indeed!
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt they give a warm welcome. As you well know, Rugby is huge in these parts, and most people are exceptionally friendly, so they go together perfectly.
ReplyDelete