Kenilworth 29 Hereford 20

Hereford made a slow start.

Made plenty of unforced errors and conceded far too many penalties. Despite missing a number of kickable chances Kenilworth eventually took the lead with an inevitable penalty goal followed by a converted try.

With the interval approaching two further successful penalty attempts took Kenilworth into a 16-point lead. Hereford came to life and before half time reduced the deficit to 9 points with a converted try.

Coach, Luke Fisher said, “A disappointing day on the road for Hereford to come away with no points after their performance. Credit to the boys though they put everything in for 80 minutes. On occasions we looked very good and showed that we can compete against the top teams. Tom Ewins led the team well and Callum Duncan had an excellent game both in the lineouts and around the park. We must remain positive and look forward to putting things right next week.”

Playing against a strong wind Hereford were penned in their own half for much of the first period. Within ten minutes, they had conceded three kickable penalties. One of which was landed to give Kenilworth the lead.

The Wyesiders’ usual reliable defence looked fragile.

Hereford missed a number of tackles which contributed to Kenilworth’s first try, the conversion increased their lead to 10 points. Two further penalty goals gave Kenilworth a useful 16-point lead as the half drew to a close. With minutes remaining before the interval, Hereford seemed to find some inspiration. Tom Starkey showed himself capable of giving his opposite number problems, a determined run took play into the Kenilworth half. The move was carried on by Jimmy Evans and combined play involving Neil Clark and Matt Frost made inroads into the home 22, before releasing the ball to the backs. Bryn Goodall scored a nice try weaving his way through the cover defence to touch down under the posts. He converted his own try and Hereford changed ends carrying a 16 points to 7 deficit.

Playing with the strong wind at their backs Hereford made a much better start to the second period.

A penalty goal from Goodall was soon equalised by another for Kenilworth before the Wyesiders struck with a second try. Bryn Goodall was the creator when he made a penetrative break down the left flank. Bryn off-loaded to Levi Hughes who made no mistake in crossing the line. Goodall made the conversion and reduced the Kenilworth advantage to 2 points. The hosts responded and some pressure on the Hereford goal-line earned them a scrum. They won the scrum and a break under the posts gave them a second converted try.

Bryn landed a second penalty to take Hereford into losing bonus territory.

Within minutes of the final whistle and under pressure on their own line, Hereford were awarded a penalty. In an attempt to win the game, they took a quick tap penalty. From the ensuing break down Kenilworth were awarded a penalty, taking the score to 29 points to 20 and leaving Hereford to travel home with no reward for their efforts.

Hereford lost this game because they took too long to get started. Hereford conceded too many penalties and failed to take advantage from the strong wind as well as their opponents did.