CINDERFORD face the prospect of playing long into the summer, in order to catch up with matches lost to the weather.

The Foresters still have 15 matches to fit in – exactly half of their scheduled programme for the entire season.

The home clash with Wharfedale, which was postponed last Saturday, must now be played on Saturday May 21 – a time when the end of season County Championship is usually winding up and the cricketers are in full swing.

With February still to get through and more cancellations a real possibility, the club is fast running out of free Saturdays.

Director of rugby Andy Deacon said: "It is a concern.

"I'm not sure if we are allowed to go into June, but playing well into May impacts on everything.

"Ordinarily, we would be planning for next season, but now we will be concentrating on winning games. Players will still need a break so it has a knock-on effect for next season."

Deacon (pictured) says Cinderford had no alternative but to call off the Wharfedale game.

He said: "At 4pm on Friday the pitch was perfect but it was bone hard on Saturday morning. We wanted to play but it was the right decision.

"Everyone was in agreement, even Wharfedale, who had to travel down. You can't play if it's dangerous.

"We played at Blaydon a few weeks ago but it was touch and go. That game could easily have been knocked on the head and they weren't overly keen to play.

"I don't know where we would be, in terms of fixtures, if we hadn't played that one."

This Saturday, Tynedale visit Cinderford – having already had one wasted journey to Dockham Road this season.

Deacon added: "We haven't played either Tynedale or Sedgley Park yet.

"It might be the kiss of death but I don't think Tynedale are as strong as they were.

"There are certainly going to be a few twists and turns in the league yet.

"I would rather have points on the board as a rule, but we've got three games in hand on Otley."

Cinderford's rearranged end of season means they now go to Sedgley Park on April 23.

Barking visit Dockham Road on April 30, with Cambridge coming to the Forest on May 7.