The Hereford team put up a brave show before going down to a late defeat after losing two props through injury. DK took a 7 point lead in injury time at the end of the first half. Early in the second period a Hereford penalty cut the deficit, before a unconverted try gave them a single point lead. A DK penalty restored their lead, Hereford lost a second prop to injury, which forced uncontested scrums and the Wyesiders were reduced to 14 players. DK exploited the extra man and added an unconverted try. A yellow card reduced Hereford to 13 men for 10 minutes during which DK added another try and conversion.
Head coach, Sean Lynn said,” I am proud of all 18 players, I cannot fault their performance. Before the game, I asked for a warrior effort and that was what they gave me. They were dogged in both defence and attack and earned a complement from the opposition coach, “the best side we have played this season” he said. I am gutted that we got nothing from the game, the boys deserved more. We were well in the game until injuries forced the uncontested scrums. It was good to see Freddie Spencer back, he kicked well from hand in attack and defence. Next week we face Worcester at Wyeside and I am confident of another excellent display from the squad.”
Hereford started well and put together some promising attacks with Levi Hughes and Mark Philo putting in some strong runs and Tom Ewins leading by example. The Wyesiders should have taken an early lead, they were stripped of the ball after crossing the DK goal-line. DK also threw away an excellent chance when a slick handling movement created an opening, but ended with a knock-on from the last pass. Defences were on top throughout and it seemed that the first half would remain scoreless until, towards the end of the half, DK forward pressure forced a push over from a scrum. The conversion attempt was good which gave DK an interval lead of 7 points.
Hereford again looked dangerous in the early phases of the second half and after a determined run Tom Starkey was forced into touch. Shortly after this, Freddie Spencer opened Hereford’s account with a penalty goal. The Wyesiders continued to attack and a good kick-chase by Levi Hughes put the DK defence under pressure. Eventually, Tom Starkey was released to score in the corner. This gave Hereford a lead of a single point which DK soon nullified with a penalty. Hereford had lost prop, Peter Barry before half time and then lost another prop, Jed Goodrum with over 20 minutes to go. This forced uncontested scrums and in accordance with the laws Hereford were not allowed to replace the second injured prop. DK were quick to capitalise on their advantage and scored a nice try wide on the left after a mazy run. The visitors were reduced to 13 men when Lewis Jordan was controversially yellow carded for a high tackle. The final score came when Hereford were attacking in an attempt to preserve at least a losing bonus, DK intercepted and raced the length of the field to register their third try. The conversion was successful and took the score to 22 points to 8.
The whole squad dug deep and were more than holding their own until the injuries reduced them to 14 men. Callum Duncan, Ollie Hutcheson, Gareth Jones and Tom Williams controlled our lineouts and although the pack struggled in the set scrums, they all put in a good shift in tight and loose. “Man of the match” chosen by DK, Josh Bell was always to the fore in the forward exchanges. The backs looked dangerous at times, Connor Sullivan fitted in well and did a good job at 10 and linked well with his half back partner Rhys Proctor. We look forward to the visit of Worcester next week.
