Hereford 29 Stratford 12

Hereford returned to winning ways with a bonus-point win at Wyeside over Stratford. Hereford enjoyed substantially the better of both possession and field position throughout the first half, but Stratford managed to build up a lead of 12 points within the first 30 minutes. Hereford responded with a brace of tries before the interval to gain parity.
The second half was quite different, Stratford gained improved possession and on several occasions, put the Hereford defence under pressure. The Wyesiders though, with some nice football added 3 further tries to close out a comfortable win by 29 points to 12.
Head Coach, Scott Sturdy said after the match “Overall, a very good attacking performance today against a Stratford side known for being a rugby playing team, playing edge to edge and at pace. We started the game extremely well, our attacking shape, our flair and our intent were really good, but unfortunately, we didn’t convert the chances we created.”

“Stratford from a very clever 60-yard kick scored their first try.

Then we made an interception, kicked the ball wide, made a mistake and suddenly we’re 12 nil down. This seemed really harsh considering how well we played and how many opportunities we created. I was very pleased to see the way the boys dug in and continued to play with that ferocity and intent. We then scored two tries that were both 7 phases plus to take us up to 12 all at half-time. We had a chat at half-time and changed a few things. We then came out and scored 3 tries in quick succession at the start of the second half, taking the game away from Stratford “
“We are now at the halfway point in the season lying fifth. Old Halesonians are top just 5 points ahead. We are in a very good position to be competitive for the rest of the season with the opportunity to press forward.  We have a hard away game next week at Whitchurch, always a difficult place to go and it will be a real test for our squad, our depth and our ability to dog games out away from home.”
“1870s today were away to Bishop’s Castle a difficult place to go and play. A 7 all draw saw them hold their place at second in their league, Ollie Bullied converted his own try. They are 4 points behind a very good Worcester second side, having won 8 and drawn 1 from 10 games. We’re excited about the second half of the season and aim to push on from where we are.”
Playing up the slope and against a strong wind, Hereford controlled possession and field position all the first half. They played some good attacking football and some determined runs by Leon Parsons and Joe Vaughan looked threatening. However, it was Stratford on their first incursion into the Hereford 22, who took the lead from a well-placed kick ahead which was followed up and touched down for a converted try.

Hereford continued to play a handling game despite the wet and windy conditions.

Several promising attacks came to naught before Stratford, on their second visit to the Hereford 22, picked up a dropped pass to run through a couple of tackles and score a second try. Hereford responded immediately and worked their way into Stratford territory. Leon Parsons off loaded to Jack Goodwin who drove through a tackle before racing over for the first Hereford try. Right on the stroke of half-time Hereford won a penalty from the catch and drive, the ball was moved wide for Leon Parsons to drive over the line and a successful conversion from Josh Wright drew the scores level at 12 points all.
Stratford returned the ball back to Hereford after the restart, it was gathered by Jack Goodwin who drove through the mid-field until stopped close to the Stratford goal-line. The ball was released to Dean Powell who fed Cal Duncan who dived over to give Hereford a lead for the first time. Hereford followed up in quick succession with two further tries, one of which Josh Wright converted. Jack Goodwin made ground into Stratford’s 22, Joe Vaughan carried it on and when the ball ran loose, Mark Philo picked up and made the score.
Following a lineout, Powell fed Duncan for him to register his second try of the afternoon. Towards the end of the game Stratford threw everything into a last-ditch effort and the Hereford defence contained the considerable pressure to run out 29 points to 12 winners.