Aston OE 25 pts Hereford 12

HEREFORD gave a below-par performance against lower-graded opposition and crashed out of the RFU Intermediate Cup at the third round stage on Saturday.

It was a disappointing result for the Wyesiders, who had gained a tense 20-18 win over Malvern in the last round, and ended their interest in cup competitions this season, having being knocked out of the North Midlands Cup at the start of the campaign.

They trailed 18-0 at half-time and eventually went down by two tries and a penalty try, two conversions, a drop-goal and a penalty to two tries and one conversion.

Hereford started the game uphill against the wind and were quickly put under pressure by Aston Old Edwardians who went ahead with a penalty from B Cennett for a late tackle in front of the posts.

The home team's heavier pack continued to hold the upper hand, although the Hereford backs made a break after 25 minutes but Ceiron Griffiths was brought down after a 50-metre run.

Old Edwardians added to their score, however, when winger O Gardener won a kick and chase to touch down for a corner try.

Hereford's defence again gave way under pressure and flanker Harry Valhakis - a former university colleague of Hereford's Andy Johnson - crossed for a try which was converted by fly-half Cennett.

Hereford finished the first half with 13 men after hooker Gareth Miles and fly-half Jeremy Wheadon were sin-binned for retaliation and a late tackle respectively.

The Birmingham club made their advantage count with a drop-goal from Cennett just before the half-time whistle.

Hereford made changes at the interval with Mark Morrison replacing Rob Atkinson in the forwards and player-coach Ivan Powell coming on for the injured Will McQuaid in the backs.

The visitors opened up strongly in the second half, although Old Edwardians held out until Finbar Heavens breached their defence for an unconverted try in the 70th minute after the ball had gone out along the backs.

This was followed by a try from Griffiths under the posts and Heavens converted to put the score at 18-12.

The home team had two players sin-binned in the last 15 minutes, but Hereford had left their efforts too late and a last-minute penalty try and conversion sealed their fate.

Hereford coaches Powell and Spencer Goodall were disappointed with the display and will be looking for a big improvement in time for the local derby league clash with Luctonians at Kingsland this Saturday.

l Hereford 2nd gained a convincing 34-0 victory over Tenbury 1st at Wyeside after leading by 24 points at the interval.

Tries were scored by Gareth Griffiths (2), John Jenkins, Ben Mason, Nick Birch - a newcomer from Greyhound - and Jeremy Bevan, who also kicked a conversion. J Brown also converted a try.