John Dankworth was just 30 and one of the best, if not the world’s best alto saxophonists, when the Munich air crash decimated the Busby Babes. Sadly yesterday he died, on the 52nd anniversary of that eventful day. Cinderford RFC on the other hand had something to celebrate.

Our visitors were indeed worthy winners, travelling to us on the day and staying to witness a rare if not convincing England win over Wales. Such victories matter much to the border defenders from the Forest of Dean although there were, in their midst, a sprinkling of Welsh identities - a Jones, James and Evans. Matt James, the Cinderford 10, was outstanding for his second appearance for the Foresters. A week earlier the former Neath player had completed a hat-trick on his home debut by intercepting a pass and sprinting in from 70 metres. Do not be deceived, Welsh surname maybe, but a Kiwi by birth. Whatever the genetics translated, on yesterday's display, as the best out half in National 1.

As to Cambridge, much to praise, given the circumstances. Events off the field have had their impact in 2010. Nevertheless every game is a character test, none more so than the progression of events that were to single this encounter out as one never to be forgotten. Dankworth departs, the Babes remembered and a red card against a Cambridge player, the first for two years and the only one ever at home that I can recall in our 5 seasons in the National Leagues. The referee in question Ian Tempest may yet find himself at the centre of a storm in a teacup. Now in the hands of our Disciplinary Chairman, the transgressor, our Primary School Teacher and gentle giant No 8, was cited on the basis of his new white boots alone, in spite of being some 40 metres or so away from the "incident". It is now a matter of DVD scrutiny to pick over the detail and establish the facts.

With the day's drama out of the way, on with the game. Biting cold from the North East demanded excitement enough to keep out the winter chill. The teams did not disappoint. the home side starting with much more purpose than a week earlier. Good to see commitments from Darren Fox and Chris Lombaard in particular above and beyond ---. Points were quickly on the board from a long range penalty kick from Tom Wheatcroft, another player now growing in confidnce. A second try followed for Ben Cooper, identical to the one scored two weeks earlier against Tynedale. Neatly converted by Tom, giving Cambridge a decent 10 point lead after 12 minutes. Cinderford hit back immediately, a stray weak clearance kick from the Cambridge 22 setting up an impressive open side counter attack from the half way line. Matt James finished off the movement through half a dozen players and converted. Stout defence also kept them in the game and right wing Robert Winchey was soon over in the corner, the attack's origins in a midfield Cambridge error. 5 more points for the visitors and a deserved but modest 2 point lead. Then the mystery of the “white boots meant for stamping” and one critical forward light for Cambridge through to the final whistle. In contrast the penalty count was already heavily in favour of the home side and ended the match 14 - 3. Line outs and scrums showed a similar pattern and yet our opponents found ample opportunities to impress in open play. It was indeed just a question of time, the inevitability of Cinderford progressively weakening the Cambridge defence and resolve. One more try in the first half, converted, James again for 7 points, to which he would add a penalty and a conversion after half time.
 
Half time Cambridge 10 Cinderford 17

That there was to be only one more conceded try in 40 minutes of play says everything about the Cambridge defence. Everyone grafted, Robbie Hurrell, Karl Rudski and Darren Fox lead by example - a true character test. Replacements arrived and played their full part in keeping the scoring down It goes without saying that red cards spoil a match regardless of your allegiances. It changes radically the balance of the game, one side resorting to pure damage limitation. If it were me I would have replaced a back with a forward at half time to restore strength up front but there you go! We failed to mount an effective attack, made one or two tactical mistakes such as long range penalty attempts but did end bathed in underdog glory. One epic to remember a 15 metre drive by 7 forwards that came to nought. Patience sometimes is the most illusory quality for teams under pressure. Cinderford try scorer was prop Phil Kennedy from a well constructed drive in the 70th minute.

Man of the Match by a margin Matt James and the essential 17 point difference.
 
Full Time Cambridge 10 Cinderford 27

Blackheath continue to impress taking their Scottish visitors to a single point victory. Tynedale massacred Stourbridge and Wharfedale lost by a margin at Esher. We slipped to sixth in the table after a run of 4 consecutive defeats. But two more home games to come before we hit the road west to the Cornish All Blacks. A busy February indeed. See you around. Keep supporting big time please down at the West’s Renault Park. We need you.

Mal Schofield