In the home game during the first month, tries from Callum MACKENZIE, Ollie HODGSON and two from Cameron MITCHELL, together with 3 conversions, a drop goal and a penalty from Garry LAW helped DMPRFC to their first victory of the season in a 32 – 24 win.

In the away game on a very muddy pitch at the turn of the year, Cinderford RFC hosted a resurgent DMPRFC side and although a very close game (3 – 17), with tries for Adam NIXON and Henry ROBINSON and Grant CONNON weighing in with two conversions and a penalty, whilst DMPRFC were advancing, the hosts were in trouble, heading in the opposite direction.

The fact that they did survive (apart from a little help from an Old Albanians RFC administrative error which consigned O.A.’s to relegation with a 5 points deduction) was testament to a club who have a very supportive management structure and players who give 100% when the ‘chips are down’.

Their pre-season build up has been rather mixed, with 3 games against comparative opposition as follows:

15.09.15. Cinderford RFC 21 v Merthyr RFC ( Welsh Championship) 45
24.09.15. Llandovery RFC ( Welsh Premiership) 45 v Cinderford RFC 19
29.09.15. Cinderford RFC 29 v Launceston RFC (Cornish All Blacks)(National League 2 South) 10

Nic Corrigan Cinderford RFC Director of Professional Rugby & Coaching stated:

“After an intense preseason with lots of change on and off the pitch. We are finally at 5th September 2015. DMP are a strong side who train full time with a large amount of investment into them over the past few seasons. They will be a stern challenge first up and we have a challenge not only to earn their respect but that of our supporters as well. It will not be a straightforward season and we all have to show patience. However, in a home World Cup year, to work in this group of people is a great honour for me personally and I am proud of how hard the players and all staff have worked this preseason. I am looking forward to review the United fixture at Worthing as well as this is a vital part of the program to continue to develop talent in that area of our Club.”
(By courtesy of Cinderford RFC website)

Cinderford RFC 1ST XV side named for the game.

15. Wilcox (C)
14. Slowik
13. Hanks
12. Winchle
11. Pickersgill
10. Moffatt
9. Silver

1. Bundy
2. McGregor
3. Bruno
4. Birkin
5. Lane
6. Mills
7. Blackmore
8. Shields

16. Goodrick – Clarke
17. Dallavalle
18. Reynolds
19. Williams
20. Penfold

There is no doubt that this will be a tougher ‘season opener’ at Cinderord RFC’s Dockham Road HQ, which is what is expected by DMPRFC.

From a DMPRFC perspective, the build up to the weekend probably started before the 2014/15 season ended.

The DMPRFC 1ST XV squad has been announced on another news item and in addition to those who appear, other new recruits added to the squad will appear in due course as DMPRFC undertake another season in National League One.

The DMPRFC Development XV, who take on Billingham 2ND XV away on Saturday, will contain some of those alluded to and it is hoped they will perform well and push their 1ST XV counterparts for places.

The pre-season has gone well, with friendlies against Hawick RFC (Scottish Premiership, W35 - 5) and Old Albanians RFC (National League 2 - South, W36 – 12). These games gave the squad game time and more importantly the opportunity to get to know their teammates.

Training sessions have been intense, with odd ‘bit of bark off’ and ‘claret spilled’, as players have tested themselves in the physical stakes.

Even to the far reaches of Gloucestershire, it is known that DMPRFC supporters are making the journey to support their charges, so safe journey and your support is always much appreciated.