Year Summary 2004
Another disappointing end to a season for Cinderford who lost the promotion play-off away at Hertford in a game which,with a little more application, they could have won.
The Forest of Dean side beat every team in the division at least once during the season and played some outstanding rugby at times. However they were also prone to collective lapses of concentration which cost them valuable league points and left coach Pete Glanville stalking the touchline in frustration.
Cinderford got off to a good start with a home victory over Keynsham but lost their next match away at eventual league champions Reading; despite winning the try count by three to one. The first real setback came at Clevedon where we underestimated a very good side and were given a lesson in fifteen man rugby. However the crucial blow was a last minute injury to Cinderford's main strike runner and full-back Mike Hart who tore knee ligaments; an injury which left him sidelined for the remainder of the season and upset the balance of the teams play.
Nevertheless up stepped colts captain Danny Trigg who made a massive contribution including a last gasp touchline conversion which snatched victory from Clifton.
The Cinderford side arrived at Truro on World Cup Final day collectively mentally exhausted from watching the game while huddled together in a local hotel. Truro ran out winners by 38 points to 8 but suffered a severe backlash in the return match when the foresters scored 115 points without reply.
A good cup Intermediate Cup run saw victories over Berry Hill, Cheltenham and Hertford before the team was beaten 26-12 in a quarter final by the eventual winners and tremendously hospitable hosts Bradford & Bingley.
The end of season disappointment was tempered by the knowledge that some young back players including Trigg, wing / fullback Jacob Coates and Jonathon Gait have succesfully bridged the gap between colts and first team football.
Several young forwards should make their mark in the coming season.
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