Hereford 20 Malvern 20
Hereford opened the new season at Wyeside with a draw against local rivals Malvern. Both sets of players showed all the energy and enthusiasm associated with a local derby, they all looked “ring rusty” and made numerous mistakes. In a game of two halves, Malvern opened the score with an early penalty. They finished the half with a 43rd minute converted try giving them an interval lead of 10 points. Hereford were getting nowhere and a couple of yellow cards and the concession of numerous penalties did nothing to help. The second half was much better, the backs were able to find some continuity and they registered 4 tries. Malvern kicked another penalty before getting a second unconverted try.
Head Coach, Scott Sturdy said “An entertaining game at Wyeside which ended up in a 20 all draw. A thrilling contest for the spectator, 4 tries to Hereford and 2 to Malvern in a game that went back and forth in the second half. We had a number of chances in the first half which we didn’t capitalize on. There are some areas in our skill set and attack that we look to improve to make sure we are more clinical going into our second game next week. We showed some real grit and dog in defence, but our discipline was not good and we conceded too many penalties. That means we ended up playing without the ball and that put us under pressure.
After going 10 points down at half time, I was really pleased to see the response from the players to go out and get 4 tries and to come away with 3 points rather than none. There are a number of areas that we need to work on to make sure we can put in a really good first away performance. A special mention to Danny Robson who transitioned up from our Colts, and was Man of the Match in his first senior game. A big shout to Danny and to Stephen Dyers who recently joined us and also made his debut today. A reasonable performance, but certainly areas to improve.”
“Our 1870s travelled to Kings Norton for their first game in their new and higher division. It was pleasing that their squad included eight debutants transitioned into senior rugby from the colts. They had a convincing 31–10 win, playing good rugby and scoring some great tries. A decent start across the board for all the men from Wyeside. We shall hope to build on that next week, when the HRFC team go to Berkswell & Balsall and the 1870s are at home to Old Yardleians. It would be great if people could come out and support them.”
Hereford kicked off, playing down the slope and won a penalty. Dean Powell kicked to touch and set up a catch and drive, but they offended at the breakdown. This allowed Malvern an easy penalty attempt to take the lead after seven minutes. Play continued with neither side able to threaten the opposition line. Midway through the half, Hereford’s Tom Williams was shown yellow, as was Mark Philo just before half time. With play already into injury time Malvern won a lineout, the catch and drive was stopped, but the ball was released for a Malvern man to race over for the first try. The successful conversion gave Malvern an interval lead of 10 points.
Hereford started the second half in attacking mode. Their backs found more continuity and if they had been more clinical they could have recorded more tries. They won a scrum and when the drive was stopped the ball was released for new winger, Stephan Dyers. He cutback and opened his account with a nice try. Hereford drew level when they won a lineout and set up the drive for Lewis Jordan to touch down for the try.
From the restart, Hereford offended at the breakdown and Malvern kicked the penalty to regain the lead. Danny Robson made a driving run out of defence and when the ball was moved wide Hereford won a penalty. They found a good touch and from the catch and drive Lewis Jordan touched down for his second and the team’s third try.
A Malvern handling movement was finished with a good try in the corner. The conversion took Malvern into a 5-point lead and the clock into stoppage time. Hereford continued to press and 3 minutes later Josh Wright broke from a scrum and raced over for an equalising try, the conversion attempt was not successful. There was just one more twist in the tale, Malvern won a penalty in a very kickable position and the Malvern kicker who had a perfect kicking record in the match so far was narrowly wide with the final kick.
It was disappointing not to win such a close game, but Hereford can take comfort from scoring four tries, it gave them a try bonus point and starts them off at half way in the league table. The two debutants both had good games. Stephan Dyers, a recruit from South Africa scored a good try and Danny Robson was made Man of the Match.
Star performers for the club this week are the 1870s who travelled to Kings Norton and returned with 31 points to 10 win. Tries were scored by Jordon Sheehy, Neil Robertson, Tom Broad, Jamie Hodges & Max Cook, Jordon Sheehy converted 4 of the tries Men of the Match were Ollie Bonelle and Malachi Stuffins.
