It's almost as if fate has played it's part in this weeks team selection for a game which could see the club make a long awaited return to National League rugby. With Tony Whittle and Martin Woolcock both unavailable due to work commitments selectors have brought in club stalwart and Duchy League captain Sean Oates for his 3rd call up of the season.
Sean (43) was a member of the team who last played National league rugby in 1996 and ironically he could now play a part in helping in it's return!

In addition to Whittle & Woolcock the squad will also be without Taron Peacock, Ben Stean, Luke Trewhella, Noah Sixton and Martin Goldsworthy for the big match with 2nd place Newent at the REC.
On the plus side there's a return for County flanker James Goldsworthy and John Drew has recovered from a knock he picked up at Bridgwater. Jack Simmons and Tommy Southworth return after last weeks South West u20's trails with Alex Ducker, Rhys Brownfield and Damien Cook also available again.

When Town visited the Forrest of Dean club in December we suffered a rare defeat going down 25 - 24. On that day the pack were in superbform with the home side struggling to cope with our forward power. Since then we've added giant lock Damien Cook and I'm sure his presence will give the feisty Gloucester outfit even more to think about. With the addition of Murray Westren and Alex Ducker to the back line and the return of Ben Drew from his long lay off, we will carry much more threat outside the scrum.

It promises to be cracking battle, a real war of attrition with neither team giving an inch, so a game not to be missed!!