CINDERFORD’S Paul Morris has issued a defiant message to The Foresters’ detractors; ’we’re not done yet’.

Director of rugby Morris oversaw a 26-26 draw for Cinderford against visiting Wharfedale on the weekend, a result that looked likely to go his team’s way until another last-minute score denied them.

“It was frustrating. I don’t know what to feel really. I’m not downhearted or elated. The reality is we got three points, which is only one less than we wanted.

“Obviously we wanted four or five points from the game so it’s not a total disaster but with them getting the points too, it’s not what we wanted or needed.”

Morris hailed new player/coach Adam Balding, who he believes has helped lift some of the gloom around Dockham Road, and saw encouraging signs against Wharfedale.

“There were elements of our game that were a big improvement,” he said.

“Our line-out is much better; now we look a threat coming off it. Our shape was improved as was our work with the ball in hand.

“However there are aspects that are still going wrong. We gave away an awful lot of penalties and after going over the game video, sometimes I was mystified by the penalties and other times by our own stupidity.

“We had two sin bins, although one we couldn’t have argued, and I’m not sure about the penalty try.

“But credit to Wharfedale; they were threatening to the line-out too and they had a huge dose of bottle in them.

“We’re going to get better as Adam gets fitter. He’s a good bloke and he has a good manner about him. He’s very personable.

“He was popular when he was here last time and I’m sure he will be again now, but his impact won’t be seen after one game.

“He’s very upbeat and positive, and not daunted by the position we’re in. He’s not here for the ride; he will make a difference.

It sounds odd but the atmosphere is getting better all the time. There’s a willingness to work hard.

“We don’t think we’re beaten. Outsiders might say we’re done and dusted but we don’t think that.”