The Hereford Times

Probert praises Hinckley after play-off defeat

1:40pm Sunday 27th April 2008

HEREFORD forward Ben Probert had no complaints after his side’s Midlands 1 rugby dreams were shattered at Wyeside yesterday.

Hereford suffered a comprehensive 43-13 defeat to visiting Hinckley in the Midlands 2 play-off.

It looked promising for the Wyesiders after 17 minutes when a Gareth Miles try helped them into a 13-5 lead.

However, Hinckley struck back to lead 17-13 at the break and then dominated the second half to run out emphatic winners.

Hinckley’s heroes were 19-year-old Evan Morgan, who scored a second-half hat-trick, and veteran Dave Massarella who scored a brace in the first half.

Hinckley bossed the second half and, on yesterday’s performance, should give a good account of themselves in Midlands 1 next season.

Speaking after the game, Probert said: “Everyone is disappointed and down but everyone agreed that the better team won. Hinckley raised their game and rose to the occasion and we didn’t rise to the occasion. We always felt we were in the game and we would take it to them and play our game plan. But they defended well and broke us down and didn’t allow us time on the ball. Their three driving mauls sucked the life out of us. They deserved it and good luck to them.”

He added: “We tried to play a bit more free-flowing rugby in the second half but it didn’t work and we put ourselves under pressure. We had to take risks to get back into it.”

Despite the defeat, Probert was delighted with the progress made by the Hereford team this season.

“It’s our first season in Midlands 2 West and to finish second in the league and get to the play-off was a very good effort. The defeat is going to hurt but in a few days we can all look back and be proud of what we have achieved.”

“We have all made a conscious effort to go away, start again and make sure we come back stronger and harder for the start of next season.”