CINDERFORD director of rugby Paul Morris praised his new-look side as they took an opening day win over Canterbury on Saturday.

The Foresters came from behind to defeat their visitors 14-7 at Dockham Road in increasingly difficult conditions.

It was the first fixture of the new National Two South season and Morris was happy and ’relieved’ to come away with the victory.

“Obviously I’m pleased to have won it,” he said.

“Relieved too, but I think we were just about worth it and we just about shaded it.

“They were a good side and we did the basics a lot better. There was a bit of despondency in the club afterwards from some people but I’m not sure what sort of rugby they expect to see in conditions like that.

“Maybe we didn’t make the most of the wind when we had it behind us first but I wouldn’t say that they did a better job of that.

“A year ago in that situation that side might have frozen and come undone. Hard ground and wet pitches have always been tough to play on.

“It’s great to start with a win and especially with eight debutants out there, albeit with one or two more experienced players.

“We’ve got round pegs in round holes now and there were three boys who played in the Combination Cup final and made their first appearance for the first XV.”

Morris has turned his attention quickly to this weekend’s trip to Clifton, which he says he and his men are savouring.

“It’s sort of a Gloucestershire derby; it’s the closest away trip we’ll have so we’re looking forward to it,” he added.

“They’re not a side that will surprise anyone. I’ve known them for a long time and they seem to change their team rapidly week on week.

“We’re looking forward to going down there; it’ll be a tough match for us again.”