HEREFORD RFC head coach Dean Powell says that his side’s backs need to ‘step up their decision making’ after they fell to a 19-7 defeat at second placed Stow on the Wold 19.
Stow took an early lead with a converted try and added a second try before half time to take an interval lead of 12-0.
Early in the second half they built on their lead with a further try and the conversion took their lead to 19 points.
With half an hour to go, the Wyesiders gave their supporters reason for hope with a Josh Wright converted try, but lack of composure in the red zone saw chances missed and the final score remained at 19-7.
Powell said, “Our red zone attack is just not what it needs to be, I can’t fault the forwards, they are an absolute credit to the badge, they worked so hard and dominated the set pieces.
“Our backs need to step up in terms of their decision making. We just didn’t convert our red zone opportunities and in the end, despite our dominance, could not get even the bonus point we deserved.
“It is becoming very frustrating, when half the team is putting in a full shift and the other half are letting the side down by making so many poor decisions in crucial areas.”
Stow took an early lead when after ten minutes they won a lineout on the Hereford 22. The ball was moved wide, then back into mid field and some pick and go saw Stow drive through under the posts, the conversion was good and gave the hosts a 7-0 lead.
Stow added a second try when they moved the ball through hands following a scrum inside the Hereford half.
The ball reached the wing who finished well, outflanking the defence and crossing in the corner. The conversion was wide and the interval was reached with Stow holding a 12-0 advantage.
After 10 minutes of the second half Stow got into the Hereford half and winning a series of rucks, took them into the 22.
They went through the phases and following a burst in the centre, moved the ball wide for the wing to score in the corner, an excellent conversion took their lead to 19-0.
The Wyesiders responded and within a few minutes reduced their deficit. The visitors won a scrum on the Stow 22, moved the ball wide before reversing the point of attack.
They went through the phases before a gap opened and Wright slipped through for a try which he converted himself. Hereford worked hard to add to their tally but lacked the composure in the red zone to take advantage of their chances and the final score remained 19-7.
The 1870s should have played Bishop’s Castle & Onny Valley at Wyeside, but the condition of pitches meant the game had to be postponed.
On Sunday, Hereford Ladies travelled to Worcester and won by 12-25. Next week Hereford entertain Edwardians at Wyeside, subject to weather conditions.
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