Deacs' Week: Strength in adversity such a key attribute

Cinderford Director of Rugby Andy Deacon's weekly column:

CINDERFORD have also had a couple of good comebacks this season, but it was nothing compared to our Ryder Cup heroes.

We've done very well in the latter ends of games recently but against Tynedale on Saturday we were down 36-13 at one point before eventually losing just 36-30.

However, the Ryder Cup boys were under a bit more pressure than we were at Tynedale Park!

In sport, the ability and mental strength to keep going when you've been knocked down or it's not going well for you is priceless.

Whether it's to keep going and play the whole 80 minutes for us in rugby or the three days the Europeans just played at Medinah.

It is a good sign of a player, athlete or sportsman if they can fight to the wire even when faced with adversity and the scoreline is against them.

We're good at that at Cinderford as we have shown to rally from 17 and 21 points behind to win against Coventry and draw with Rosslyn Park this season.

But I'd rather not be good at that and I'd rather we got out in front early on because we did start well in our match on Saturday.

We're very passionate in rugby and with the Olympics, Ryder Cup and other British/European sporting successes over the summer, it has also been very emotional.

From the respect for legend Seve Ballesteros to all of the of the Olympic and Paralympic medals, the tears that have been shed have been incredible and it just goes to show what passion people have for their sport and how the fans embrace this too.

The Mo Farrah's, Jessica Ennis' and the like will make a few quid at the end of it through endorsements but initially they are not doing it for that. They are doing it for the glory and personal reward.

Ian Poulter said that being part of the 12 man squad and winning the Ryder Cup every two years meant more to him than any Championship that carries a purse and I believed him.

Perhaps football could take a leaf out of that book and rugby can hopefully keep an element of the amateur ethos in it.

This is echoed by Bucko as well because he's had ten good years at the club where things have changed over time, but he always soldiers on, and fair play to him.

BUCKO IS FROM THE OLD SCHOOL:

THIS Saturday at Cheltenham Racecourse sees the final testimonial event for Peter Buxton – following the battle that will be Gloucester against Bath.

I think most people will agree with me that Bucko is totally committed and unselfish player. Successful teams need players like him.

He is a Gloucester guy through and through with the way he plays the game, hence why he is coming to the end of a successful testimonial year.

Fans and team-mates alike warm to him and can see he is honest, hardworking and absolutely wants the team to do well.

Most importantly he is proud of his position – and you can see that in the way he plays the game.

And with his coaching career also taking off at Cheltenham he is imparting that knowledge down at the grassroots – and maybe at National One – level!

While not a rarity in the game nowadays but maybe a dwindling breed as compared to younger players coming through who could be seen as caged commodities.

Bucko is very much a Gloucester Rugby club man and deserves all the accolades that are thrown at him.

OLD CENTS PERFORMING WITH STRENGTH AND STYLE IN A FINE BEGINNING

AS WE come to the end of the first month of the 2012/13 season, it is perhaps a good opportunity to review and catch up on the performance of the local clubs.

Coney Hill have played four and lost one and will be very pleased with their start having only lost at Bracknell who are many people's title favourites and if their talisman Sid King remains fit he will be a big player for the Hill men.

Old Cents have been the surprise package of any league so far storming to second in South West One East with a brand of rugby that is not only attractive but effective.

I hope their squad is strong enough in depth to withstand the long season.

Chosen Hill have found their feet in Western Counties North with two wins from five which leaves them near the bottom.

Their one-point win over Burnham-on-Sea on Saturday will instil confidence and they've just picked up Stu Hendry from Cinderford who is a strong number eight and will help their cause no end.

Matson have made a solid start in the same division with three wins from five and are always a strong team at home. They'll build on their away form and establish themselves in the top half in the coming weeks.

Gordon League and Widden have made steady progress in Gloucester Premier but with the lower leagues kicking off late only three games have been played so far.

There's a long way to go and I expect both to make an impact in the coming months.

One team outside of the Gloucester Combination is Newent who have improved dramatically in recent seasons with another former Cinderford player Joe Goatley a major driving force behind their success.

Gloucester One will be very tight with the champions not named until the last week or two.

Longlevens have recorded their first win from three which should give the boys hope they can move up the table and make an impact.

Their local rivals Richians will be disappointed if they don't get promoted and there are some great local derbies in store.

Both Kingsholm clubs Gloucester All Blues and Spartans remain unbeaten in Gloucester Two after three.

The Blues have picked up maximum points which is a great achievement for a club that only until recently was struggling to stay alive.

This is a lesson for all clubs that success can be achieved with hard work and will to succeed when the odds are stacked against you - well done boys and keep it going.

It's a shame to see Gloucester Civil Service at the bottom of the league structure in Gloucester Three after just one game. It's early days but it's going to be tough for this nomadic club.

There's lots of noise coming out of Tredworth which is great to hear. But my dark horse for the title is Old Cryptians, a club with a big history.