HEREFORD RFC rued not taking advantage of the windy conditions as they fell to a 30-22 defeat at the hands of Ludlow.
With the wind to their advantage Hereford had a pair of first half tries and a penalty goal to Ludlow’s three tries giving an interval score of 19-15.
Each team registered a second half try, but it was Ludlow’s brace of penalty goals that tipped the balance, giving them a 30-22 win and depriving the Wyesiders of even a losing bonus.
A disappointed Hereford head coach, Dean Powell said: “Rugby is a cruel sport sometimes and no independent spectator who watched this match, could say that either side should come away with no league points.
“However, that is exactly what we have done. Our lads played brilliant rugby and matched Ludlow for physicality, it’s a long time since we could say that and to come away with no points is a real disappointment.
“We lost the toss and it was a really bad toss to lose; Ludlow chose to play against the wind first half which meant the pressure was on us to score points. Playing with a strong wind in your favour, you cannot allow your opposition to go in at half time with a lead.
“We gifted too much territory with mistakes, less than last week but too many.”
Hereford kicked off with a strong wind at their backs and took an early lead with a Josh Wright penalty goal.
Following some end-to-end play the Wyesiders added a try, a series of pick and go and a loop pass saw Tom Broad finish in the corner.
Ludlow came back, they won a scrum inside the Hereford 22, moved the ball wide, cut back through some weak tackles and scored near the posts. The conversion took the score to 7-8.
Hereford responded and within four minutes had increased their lead with a try, following a maul in the Ludlow 22, the ball was moved wide and Scott Robinson drove over, Wright made the conversion.
With the interval approaching Ludlow added a brace of tries, one of which was converted which took the score to 19-15 at half-time.
Ludlow, now with the wind behind them, exerted pressure and increased their lead with an unconverted try. Hereford in turn, added a third try from Harry Sockett, who darted through to touch down following some good work by the forwards, Wright added the conversion.
Hereford defended excellently and attacked well causing Ludlow no little trouble. They were restricted to a couple of penalty goals in the last 20 minutes, the second of which made the final score 30 points to 22, which denied Hereford a losing bonus point.
Next week both Hereford league sides have a rest weekend, but on Thursday, October 30, the Colts play Luctonians at Wyeside kick off 7pm and on Friday, October 31, the Lions social side play Luctonians fourths at Wyeside kick off 7.30pm. The following weekend HRFC play league leaders Moseley Oak at Wyeside kick off 2.15 pm and the 1870s travel to Pershore.
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