Hereford 10 Stratford upon Avon 10
The Wyesiders completed their home programme with a well-earned draw with a Stratford team which had beaten them comprehensively in the away fixture, back in November.
Dave Thomas and Richie Preece, who were each making a final appearance in a Hereford shirt, were given a standing ovation by the large crowd.
The game was a pulsating affair with each team enjoying periods on top. Both sides registered a try in each half and failed to take chances which might have won the game. In the final analysis the result was a fair representation of the game which neither side deserved to lose.
Head coach, Scott Sturdy would have liked a win, but was pleased with his team’s performance. He said “It was a very competitive game here at Wyeside today, against a very good Stratford side. I compliment both teams on their performances it was a really good level six game of rugby. It was difficult to score tries, both defences were very good and neither gave the other space or time.
All four tries today had to be well worked and were a reflection of the quality of rugby.
Of course we are disappointed not to win our last game at home, but our record at Wyeside has been pretty good. We have nine wins, one draw and three losses, we now need to translate that into better performances and more wins away from home. We have a difficult run-in to the end of the season with three away games, starting with Sutton Coldfield next week. This will be a real challenge and gives us a big opportunity to show how much we’ve improved and to get another away win as we move towards the end of the season. The Muddogs have four games left to play, which are really crucial for the club, a couple of these are at home so please come and support the boys at Wyeside.”
In the opening ten minutes, Hereford kept Stratford pinned in their own half. The Hereford lineout and scrummage work was excellent, the backs stretched their legs and put in some really good passing movements, but were unable to breach the Stratford defence. For the next ten-minute period the roles were reversed and the Hereford defence was put under pressure. Eventually Stratford made a break through with a try after twenty minutes, when some good play in mid field created a two on one situation and a try was scored in the corner.
The Wyesiders responded and within five minutes had levelled the score.
Josh Wright found a good touch from a penalty. Stratford offended at the catch and drive and Wright found touch again with the second penalty. This time the catch and drive successfully crossed the goal-line for Lewis Jordan to touch down for the equalising try. As the interval approached Hereford had a good chance to take the lead. Levi Hughes, whose elusive running had been presenting problems to the visitors’ defence, made a break from his own 22 into opposition territory, but was halted on the edge of their 22.
The score at half time was 5 points each.
Early in the second half Stratford regained the lead.
They won a lineout near the Hereford goal-line and moved the ball through hands across the field, when the movement was stopped they drove over for a try. Again, Hereford responded and only minutes later were pressing in the Stratford 22. A tap penalty taken to the line by Connor Sullivan was laid off and Ewan Duncan forced his way over for the equalising try.
Play resumed with both teams showing a willingness to attack, but defences ruled.
Stratford had the chance to take a lead when awarded a penalty in a kickable position on the Hereford 22. They kicked to touch seemingly looking for a third try, but the gamble failed. Hereford had a similar chance, but from much further out. The ball was blown from the tee and when the referee refused to allow the ball to be replaced, Jordan Sheehy made a reasonable attempt at a drop which was well short.
Strangely, the referee allowed Stratford to charge the kick which is not allowed at a penalty attempt.
Both teams continued to play attacking football and during the final twenty minutes the Wyesiders’ defence was put under great pressure. Despite losing Tom Williams and Luke Yarranton for ten minutes in the bin, they held out for a draw at 10 points apiece. Tom Ewins and Perry Pudge in the centre had very good games and Luke Yarranton had an exceptional game in a really good back row.
Photos by wildcat photography
