CINDERFORD RFC made club history on Sunday as more than 150 players took to the field at Bell Sports and Rugby Park despite widespread cancellations across the region due to waterlogged pitches.

With grass pitches across the Forest of Dean and beyond deemed unplayable after days of heavy rain, Cinderford’s new artificial surface proved its value for the first time, allowing a full programme of home rugby to go ahead when much of the weekend’s sport was called off.

Teams from across the age groups were in action, with the Fawns, Under 6s, Under 7s, Under 8s, Under 9s, Under 10s, Under 12s, Under 13s, Under 14s, Under 18s Girls and Cinderford Women all playing at home in a landmark day for the club.

The sight of so many players wearing Cinderford colours on the same day underlined the scale of the achievement, with children, teenagers and adults all sharing the same pitch across the course of the day.

Club officials said the occasion was about more than just rugby, highlighting the sense of community created by bringing so many sections of the club together when other fixtures across the area were falling victim to the weather.

The successful hosting of matches was made possible by a large group of volunteers, alongside club staff and coaches who ensured everything ran smoothly from early morning through to the afternoon.

Supporters lined the touchline throughout the day, braving the conditions to cheer on players of all ages and add to the atmosphere.

The new pitch has been designed to ensure rugby can continue throughout the winter months, and Sunday’s programme offered a clear demonstration of its importance to the club.

With generations of players using the facility on the same day, the occasion marked a significant moment for Cinderford RFC and its long term future at Bell Sports and Rugby Park.