South West Diuvision One
Cinderford 27 Barnstaple 6
THIS was an important win for Cinderford ... but not half as important as the one they want this Saturday.
Cinderford will be on the road for a revenge mission – and they do not have to travel far, just six miles through the woods to little old Berry Hill.
What's in store is anyone's guess. But on paper and in spite of Berry Hill's impressive and shock win at Cinderford earlier in the season, the Dockham Road boys are out and out favourites.
"They've got to be. Just look at their results and compare them to ours," says Berry Hill's player coach Lee Osborne.
And, of course he's right.
Cinderford are riding high in second place in the league while Berry Hill are down in the relegation zone. In fact, they have won just once since that famous victory at Dockham Road.
Further, Berry Hill is plagued by injuries.
"We have only managed to field the same team twice this season," reflects Osborne who is himself a doubt for Saturday's game.
"If we can put out our strongest side we are a match for anyone in this league but unfortunately that has not been possible," he says.
But will it be banana skin time for Cinderford?
Club administrator Dennis Hargreaves is only too aware of the dangers.
"The crowd will be with them for sure. It is difficult place to go and win and we will have to be at our best," he says.
Hargreaves believes the Barnstaple game should have been a much more convincing win.
He points to two try scoring opportunities being missed in the first half and several more after the interval.
"We are still not clinical enough and several times we wasted overlaps," he said.
Nevertheless it was a comfortable victory with tries by Clive Kantorowicz. Mike Nicholls, Mike Hart and Ollie Lamb. Joe Goatley kicked two conversions and a penalty.
But there will be pride at stake at Lakers Road as well as plenty of passion.
Cinderford should win – but don't put your shirt on it!