KENILWORTH  16 - 3  HEREFORD

Glasshouse Lane, Saturday 10 January 2004, 2:30pm

Powergen Midlands 2 West League

Hereford steadily picked up their game and the home team could not again cross the Hereford line. Kenilworth kicked well however, landing a further three penalties before half time. Hereford defended strongly for the remainder of the half, Kenilworth putting in some well constructed attacking moves and pressuring the Hereford line for long periods.

It was not all defence for Hereford however. They too, made deep forays into enemy territory, staying there for some entertaining passages of play. All too often however, possession was lost through poor handling, a careless penalty or sloppy kicking. Kenilworth accepted these mistakes with alacrity, responding by thrusting once more deep into the Hereford half keeping the visitors under severe pressure.

Hereford made the turn with self belief and high hopes. They put these into effect immediately, pressuring the Kenilworth line inside their own 22 for some six minutes. Hereford reduced their errors, but they did still occur. On each occasion the Kenilworth side took full advantage, thundering back into Hereford territory.

Hereford’s defence however was impressive. Richard Mayson in particular put in a number of try saving tackles. In the second half Hereford gave notice that they were going to fight this out and did not consider themselves losers. Other impressive performances came from Duncan Baille, recently welcomed back to the side following an absence, and Steve Scott at number six; both defending impressively and each responsible for deep thrusts into enemy territory, helping to maintain momentum and pressure on the opposition.

During the last ten minutes Hereford maintained the pressure on the Kenilworth line, mounting repeated attacks in some remarkable periods of continuity. They declined to kick for points in front of the posts in favour of going for the try. This was the point they came closest to crossing, and with it their best chance of turning the match. They could not get over however, and periodically another error would send them 75 yards backwards from where they would begin driving up the field once again.

No points were scored at all during the second half, with Hereford maintaining a clear territorial advantage. This was an impressive and spirited performance by a team that has not had an easy time this season. Team spirit was strong. Even when tiring as the game drew to its close they did not give up. A sense of self belief was perceptible too.

New arrivals this season are fitting in well and enjoying their rugby at Hereford. Hopefully, more will follow. On this form Hereford's position in the table is not consistent with their capability, and if they can continue their improvement and commitment then relegation is by no means a foregone conclusion.