Injury problems felt far and wide

» HARTPURY and Cinderford suffered heavy defeats at the weekend with the College’s heavy home defeat to Jersey the most concerning.

I can only think the injury crisis gripping Gloucester has hit Hartpury who also have an injury list that worsens by the week.

It’s still early days in the season and I have every confidence in my good friend Mark Cornwell to lead them through and end the losing cycling soon to ensure they move up the table.

The value for money game must have been at St Ives where Newent went down 50-43.

The Green Army must have been disappointed to score 43 points away from home and not come away with the win, but the two bonus points must have lightened the mood on the long bus trip home.

Matson triumphed against Old Richians in Western Counties North with a dominant second-half performance.

But the stand out result was in Gloucester Premier with Longlevens beating Spartans 44-0 away from home with their best performance of the season.

That’s two heavy defeats for the Red Ants and with top-of-the-table Widden Old Boys up next a good week’s training will be required.

My Cirencester side travelled to Brockworth, now coached by my former teammate at Cinderford Jack Adams.

In a hard-fought game Ciren maintained their winning start to the season.

As ever the Badgers were great hosts, especially with their postmatch pies which I was told several times are the best in local rugby.

I look forward to returning the hospitality at the Whiteway.