CINDERFORD Town have withdrawn from the Gloucestershire Challenge Trophy after Tuesday night’s scheduled match against Cheltenham Saracens was called off.

The Foresters were due to host Saracens at The Causeway in the Challenge Trophy with a 7:45 PM kick-off, but the fixture was postponed shortly before kick-off. The club initially confirmed the game was off and said a further statement would be released in due course.

Later in the evening, Cinderford Town issued a club statement confirming they have taken the decision to withdraw from the competition for the remainder of the season.

The club said that, since November, they have made every effort to fulfil their fixture commitments, but persistent adverse weather conditions have made this impossible.

After careful consideration and discussions between the committee and team management, the decision was taken as the best course of action to prioritise the welfare of players and protect the integrity of the club.

Cinderford Town also used the statement to highlight the wider challenges facing sports clubs in Cinderford and the surrounding areas, particularly the lack of access to all-weather facilities. The club said such facilities are vital to ensuring fixtures can be fulfilled and to supporting the growth and sustainability of local sport throughout the year.

They added that the ongoing situation underlines the need for improved infrastructure to help clubs manage increasingly difficult weather conditions and congested fixture schedules.

The club thanked supporters, competition organisers and all those involved for their understanding and continued support during a frustrating period.

Cinderford Town said they remain committed to the local community and will now turn their focus to upcoming fixtures and opportunities to represent the town with pride.

The withdrawal brings an end to Cinderford Town’s involvement in this season’s Gloucestershire Challenge Trophy, with the club hoping conditions will allow a more settled run of fixtures as the campaign progresses.