HEREFORD RFC head coach Scott Sturdy was left reflecting on an ‘underwhelming’ performance as his side suffered a 17-5 defeat at Stratford-upon-Avon.
Due to flooding at Wyeside the game was reversed and Hereford made the trip to Stratford.
Despite Iwan Holder opening the try scoring for the Wyesiders they then conceded three tries before half-time and were kept out after the break in tough conditions.
“With the extreme weather conditions, it has been challenging to get any rugby played this weekend,” said Sturdy.
“It was a difficult game and an underwhelming performance, our platform and set piece was challenged due to conditions.
“We struggled at scrum time with the strong Stratford scrum, our lineout was inconsistent and we didn’t kick the field well.
“This led to us defending for most of the first half, we did improve in the second period, but again were frustrated in not being able to cross the line.
“Discipline was poor across the game, conceding twenty penalties and receiving two yellow cards, this is an area which will need tightening up before visiting Edwardians next week.”
Hereford took an early lead after a Stratford relieving kick was gathered by Ollie Hutcheson who made ground and laid off to James Pattison, who made a driving run into mid-field.
Stratford stopped the drive, but conceded a scrum inside their 22.
At the restart Hutcheson picked up at the base of the scrum, linked to the rest of the pack and consolidated possession, when the ball was released, Pattison moved the ball wide to Josh Wright. Wright threw a long pass to Iwan Holder, missing out the decoy runner Tom Ewins.
Holder then beat defenders on the outside before cutting inside to score in the corner, the conversion attempt failed.
Stratford wasted no time in responding and went through the phases ending in a maul on the Hereford goal-line which they pushed over to dot down for an equalising try, the conversion was wide.
Hereford were reduced to 14 men for ten minutes when Jamie Bullock was awarded a yellow card.
Stratford took the lead with a converted try after 30 minutes. A well-executed handling movement took play to the Hereford goal line and despite some pick and go, which was initially handled by determined defence, eventually the pressure told, 12 – 5.
As half-time approached, Stratford took a tap penalty 10 yards from the Hereford goal line and their big forwards put pressure on the Hereford defence and drove over for an interval lead of 17-5.
There was no further score in the second half as both sides created chances, but none came to tries.
Hereford did make a significant improvement in the second half, but the lack of good midfield breaks is limiting the ability to show what they are really capable of.
Next week the Hereford travel to meet Edwardians as they hope to turn their fortunes, and subject to ground conditions the 1870s will entertain Old Yardleians at Wyeside.
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