Hereford 24 Droitwich 6
In their first game for over a month, Hereford started 2023 in fine style with a bonus point win over Droitwich.
At half time Droitwich held a narrow lead, courtesy of their two penalty goals to Hereford’s unconverted try, but in the second half Hereford compromised on their handling game. They ground out an ugly win with three further tries, two of which were converted.
Head Coach, Scott Sturdy said after the match “A really pleasing performance to start 2023 for our HRFC team and the 1870s. Against Droitwich at home in really challenging conditions, with a heavy pitch, rain and a strong wind, we probably didn’t manage the game as well as we could have in the first half. At half time we had a chat, changed and modified the game plan a little and then put in a really good second half performance. Overall, we scored four tries, earning the bonus point and to be honest, we probably left quite a few scores out there. A really good start after having no rugby since the 3rd of December and not being able to train properly until this week. “
“The 1870s, in difficult conditions, went over to Evesham and got a win by 14 points to 8 in a really hotly contested game. That puts each team in a good position and we now want to focus on one game at a time, to build up some momentum as we now move into the second half of the season.
Next week we reverse fixtures with the 1870s playing Droitwich 2s at Wyeside and the HRFC team travelling to Evesham. They gave us a very good game at home, so we’ll be expecting a tough challenge away next week. “
Playing up the slope, Hereford started with ball in hand, but with a greasy ball, handling was difficult and many promising movements were frustrated by a dropped pass or a knock on. After twenty minutes some well controlled forward play saw Lewis Jordan touch down for the first Hereford try. Hereford out-half Dean Powell aggravated an injury and was replaced by Ollie Bullied who went on the wing with Josh Wright moving to 10. During a ten-minute period shortly before the interval, the Wyesiders conceded three kickable penalties. Two were converted enabling the visitors to go in at half time holding a 6 points to 5 lead.
In the second half Hereford adjusted their game in light of the weather conditions, kicking to the corners and making ground through their forwards. Within five minutes of the restart the Wyesiders won a penalty, Freddie Spencer found a good touch inside the visitors’ 22. The drive from the lineout got to the goal line and Jamie Humphreys drove over for the try.
Josh Wright converted to go into a 6-point lead.
Hereford controlled the next twenty minutes and an Ollie Bullied determined run was stopped just short. Hereford ran a penalty, moving the ball wide and then back, before Jack Goodwin raced over for the third try, to which Connor Sullivan added the extra points. Droitwich responded with some determined forward play, putting the home defence under pressure, which they handled without too much trouble. It seemed that the Wyesiders would be denied a bonus point and it was deep into injury time before a driving maul crossed the goal line and Jamie Hodges touched down for the fourth and bonus point try.
Hereford were good value for their 24 points to 6 victory in a dour game dictated by conditions.
The 1870s had a tough game at Evesham, winning by 14 points to 8. They scored all their points in the first half through tries from Rhys Roberts and Cal Duncan, both improved by Jorden Sheehy. In the second half their defence was put under great pressure, but Evesham were restricted to just one try.
Coach Bob Stewart made Cal Duncan Man of the Match and commented “A top effort all round.”
