Bury St Edmunds, so unlucky to lose by just three points at the hands of National League South leaders Chinnor last weekend, will relish the chance to pit their wits against second-placed Cinderford at Dockham Road this afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm).
Bury were edged out 34-37 in a thriller at The Haberden against a Chinnor side who remain unbeaten this season, with 13 wins and a draw from their 14 fixtures.
And head coach Ollie Smith is gunning for a similar performance this weekend.
“We were unlucky last weekend. We pushed Chinnor very close,” explained Smith.
“We had a different mind-set going into that game, in terms of the context of the game and how we wanted to play, and we could so easily have sneaked a victory.
“In fact, I don’t think Chinnor would have had any complaints if we had won. We played some great rugby,” added Smith.
It was only the Wolfpack’s sixth defeat of the season, and they remain well-placed in sixth spot going into the second half of the campaign.
Cinderford are only one point behind Chinnor, having won 13 of their 14 games and losing just once, at home to Chinnor (13-20) at the beginning of October.
Last weekend, the Gloucestershire-based club recorded a fine 39-17 win at fifth-placed Canterbury, so it will be another big ask for Smith’s side.
“We’re looking for the same sort of performance,” continued Smith. “Cinderford are perhaps a little-more forwards orientated than Chinnor, which suits the conditions they are usually faced with down in the West Country. There has certainly been a lot of snow and rain down there this week, so it should be boggy.
“We want to test ourselves. It doesn’t look as though we are going to get promoted, or relegated, this season, so we must set our own standards.”
Elsewhere, London One North club Colchester, fresh from their resounding 76-7 at bottom club South Woodham Ferrers last weekend, are away at Diss this afternoon (kick-off 2pm).
Colchester moved from fourth up to third following last Saturday’s big win, having won 10 and lost the other three of their first 13 fixtures. They are behind the top two of Chingford and Brentwood. Diss are currently fourth-from-bottom.
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