BOTH Maidenhead RFC and South West Division 1 leaders Cinderford face a huge test of character tomorrow (Saturday), when they meet for a crunch encounter at Braywick, kick-off 2.30pm.
For Maids the game will provide a benchmark for next season’s anticipated promotion push.
But for Cinderford it is make or break, as they attempt to stave off a late challenge for this season’s automatic promotion spot.
On paper, the West Country outfit should carry the day, but rugby is played on grass.
Maids coach Simon Edwards said: “Cinderford are a supreme side, they’re very physical and very motivated.
“But they know we’re the last side to beat Bridgwater, who put 50 points on them two weeks ago.
“The Cinderford boat is rocking. They thought they were up (promoted), but now they are only four points clear at the top and they still have to play us and Clifton.
“They also lost in the semi-final of the Powergen Intermediate Cup on Saturday to Morley, who are only midtable in North 1. That isn’t the form of a promotion side.
“Something has gone wrong and the jitters have set in. So they’re going to come to us feeling nervous.
“It’s a hugely important game to them. If they lose this week the league title is wide open.”
Asked to rate his chances of recording an upset, Edwards said: “We’re huge underdogs but we like pressure like that. For us the result doesn’t matter. For them it’s make or break.
“We’re intending to exploit weaknesses we know about in their game.
“If we want this we can get it. It’s up to the players.
“If the Maidenhead team which beat Bridgwater turns up on Saturday, we will beat Cinderford.
“There’s no way we can take them on upfront, but we have a very talented set of young backs.
“So we have to run the arse off them and have some fun.”
The match will also mark an incredible 600th appearance for prop Allan Greene.
Edwards said: “Let’s have a big crowd out for Allan Greene and to see the league leaders."