Hereford Rugby Club lose 43-30 at Silhillians

HEREFORD will be defending their unbeaten home record this Saturday against Stratford in Midlands One West.

The Wyesiders suffered a defeat at Silhillians but remained in the contest until the hosts bagged a last-minute try.

"We struggled to get good possession from the set pieces but made up for this with a lively performance in the loose," said Hereford stalwart Rob Davies.

"We enjoyed some trademark handling movements, which put our opponents’ defence under pressure."

Davies added: " The final scoreline did not do justice to the part played by Hereford in an entertaining and often skilful game of rugby.

"All 18 Hereford players can take pride in their performance, none more than Matt Pritchard, Dave Thomas and Perry Pudge."

Hereford opened the scoring from Dean Powell's penalty after a run by former skipper Pritchard initiated a period of pressure.

The lead was however, short lived, as Silhillians scored an unconverted try and opened up a 12-3 lead after 25 minutes.

But Hereford replied, Richard Mayson registering their first try after a strong run from Pudge was carried on by Tom Ewins, who off-loaded to Mayson.

Powell slotted the extra points but the half ended with the hosts landing a twice-taken penalty attempt and scoring a third try.

The hosts led 22-10 at the interval but Hereford opened the second half brightly.

A long pass from Sean Day to Richard Mayson opened up an opportunity for Nat Thomas to outflank the defence for a try, which Dean Powell converted.

A defensive lapse allowed Silhillians to go over for another converted try but Hereford ploughed forward.

Hereford returned to the attack and a brace of penalties from Powell pulled them back into contention before Silhillians broke through for a try under the posts.

The successful conversion restored the hosts' 13-point advantage.

Hereford battered the Silhillians line before the referee lost patience with the home defence and awarded Hereford a penalty try, which Powell converted.

Hereford threw everything into a last attacj but were frustrated when a break away allowed Silhillians to close off the game with a last-minute converted try.