Droitwich 17 Hereford 40

On Saturday Hereford visited Droitwich and enjoyed another try-fest.

The crowd saw six tries from Hereford and three from Droitwich, most coming in the first half with just one Hereford try early in the second half to effectively close off the game. Coach Alun Richards was delighted with the second away win of the season.
After the match he said,” I was happy with our attacking performance. In the first thirty minutes we were very clinical, we made six visits to the Droitwich 22 and came away with five tries. This shows how far we’ve come in terms of our attacking shape. It was disappointing in the first half to let Droitwich back into the game with unforced errors, mainly from the kick-offs. Several turned into penalties which were used to gain field position and to get their driving maul going. I was disappointed that it was through our own errors, not anything that our opponents had created.
At half time we spoke about going back to basics and that’s what we did.
In the second half we got an early try which we felt would kill the game off and that proved to be the case. Jake Cheshire at 8 was outstanding with two tries, his bulldozing runs making life difficult for Droitwich. The forwards created a platform which helped us to get around the field and play our attacking shape, Jamie Humphreys and Tom Williams stood out. Joe Vaughan playing out of position at 12 looked really classy and took his try well. We now turn our focus to Evesham at home in two weeks’ time as next week we have a rest.
There is still plenty to work on in training and we shall concentrate on cranking it up in readiness for the visit from Evesham. Finally, I’m massively pleased that we’ve gone away from home again and got a result.”
An error by Droitwich from the kick-off gave Hereford a penalty. Freddie Spencer found a good touch and from a typical Hereford catch and drive Lewis Jordan touched down for an early five-point lead. Josh Wright was unlucky to see his conversion attempt rebound from the posts. Within ten minutes Hereford increased their lead to twelve points. Joe Vaughan made ground in mid field which set up a passing movement with the ball passing through several hands, before Jamie Humphreys charged over between the posts and Josh Wright’s kick added the two further points.

A Hereford error conceded a penalty from which Droitwich kicked to the corner and their catch and drive from the lineout earned them a try, which was converted to reduce their deficit.

An overthrown lineout was gathered by Nathan Boden, who moved the ball wide for Jake Cheshire to burst through for his first try, followed 5 minutes later by his second, which secured the try bonus for the visitors. Josh Wright’s conversions of both tries extended the Wyesiders’ lead to nineteen points. Droitwich responded and their second try reduced the difference, before Dean Powell fed Freddie Spencer, who drove through the home defence for a try which Josh Wright improved. As the interval approached, some persistent Droitwich attacking pressure located a gap in the Hereford defensive shape, to break through for their third try.
The half time score was 17 points to 33. Hereford started the second period in a much more conservative style.  It was ten minutes before some basic pick and go play created a gap for Joe Vaughan to glide through for what turned out to be the final try, Josh Wright slotted the conversion.
Throughout the final thirty minutes defences were in control.
Hereford’s return to basics continued and their defence handled the sporadic attacks from the speedy Droitwich backs with little trouble. For Hereford at either end of the age scale, it was grand to see Deano back in a Hereford shirt and young Josh Wright, normally an out half, playing so well at scrum half.
The 1870s had another excellent result beating visitors Evesham IIs by 48 points to 18. Tries were scored by Cal Duncan 4, Ash Barsby 2, George Russell & Alex Hickinbotham. Cal Duncan kicked 4 conversions. Man of the match was Ewan Duncan a class 10 and an outstanding performance. Dick of the day was Cal Duncan who had to rely on little brother Ewan for all his tries.