Promotion the prize at stake for county sides
1:31pm Friday 25th April 2008
HEREFORDSHIRE’S two leading rugby clubs face a winner-takes-all situation as their seasons reach a dramatic climax on Saturday, writes IAN MORGAN.
Luctonians have a tough trip to Huddersfield for a place in National League 3 North.
Hereford are expecting a big turnout for their play-off against Hinckley at Wyeside for a spot in Midlands 1.
Luctonians administrator and coaching co-ordinator, Simon Green-Price said: “It’s very much a cup final at Huddersfield - winner takes all. We will be going up on Friday to give ourselves the best possible chance to succeed.” Luctonians finished runners-up in Midlands 1 and travel to North 1 runners-up Huddersfield, who have an impressive record at Lockwood Park.
Huddersfield collected 38 points from their 22 league matches, including 10 wins and one defeat at home.
Luctonians have had a patchy away record this term with five wins, five losses and a draw.
Green-Price said: “This time last year we were battling against relegation. We started off superbly this season and then had a dip in form. But the players have worked extremely hard and deserve their opportunity.” Luctonians last reached the Midlands 1 play-offs in April 2003 when they lost 17-3 to Macclesfield in front of 1,200 spectators at Mortimer Park. Darren Brick is the sole survivor from the Luctonians side who suffered disappointment five years ago.
Hereford have home advantage for their play-off clash with Leicestershire side Hinckley, the runners-up in Midlands 2 East.
The Wyesiders finished runners-up in Midlands 2 West after a campaign which included nine wins and two losses at home.
Hinckley collected 34 points in their own league campaign - the same as Hereford - with an away record of seven wins, three defeats and a draw.
Hereford’s head of coaching, John Watkins, said: “Hinckley are a very good side. If our players can step up to the mark and play to the best of their abilities, we will have every opportunity to progress.” He added: “We are well prepared and looking forward to the game. Hinckley are bringing a lot of supporters and we are expecting the biggest crowd at Wyeside since we played Luctonians in a cup match around seven years ago.” Hereford last experienced a play-off situation in April 2006 after finishing runners-up in Midlands 3 West (South).
On that occasion, Hereford suffered a defeat at Bridgnorth, who were the runners-up of Midlands 3 West (North).
“Two years ago we lost in the play-offs,” said Watkins. “I am hoping the pain from that horrible experience will stand us in good stead for Saturday.” Ledbury missed out on promotion from Midlands 4 West (South) after crashing to a 44-0 defeat at Old Coventrians.
Keep up-to-speed with Saturday’s rugby action with regular updates throughout the afternoon on herefordtimes.com