STRATFORD-UPON-AVON  29 - 5  HEREFORD

Saturday 17 January 2004, 2:30pm

Friendly

But despite the scoreline this was still a good game, and fine preparation for Hereford’s match this week, as the visitors were robbed by Stratford’s strong defence.

Hereford had the chance to take the lead in the 15th minute, but Lyndon Day’s penalty bounced off the upright, then three minutes later, Sean Parker sent Luke Smith dashing towards the try line, but Stratford’s Number 15 put in a big saving tackle to drive Luke back.

On 20 minutes, Stratford returned the pressure and winger Simon Hodges opened the scoring with a try, converted by Number 10 Richard Pozzi.

Hereford missed a good chance from a penalty five yards out, when Robert Welsh was stopped just short of the line, and then the hosts hit back with flanker Rupert Cross going over for an unconverted try on the half hour.

Hereford, led by captain of the day, Gareth Griffiths, and a forward drive by man-of-the-match Ali McCall, set up hooker Wayne Davies to score out wide to reduce the deficit to 12-5 at half-time.

The visitors made six changes at the break, and with new legs on the pitch, Colin Osborne almost set Parker clear, but he was just caught short of the line.

Stratford then responded with Hodges grabbing his second try, converted by Pozzi, who also added a penalty.

The hosts added a final try from Dean Black, again converted by Pozzi.

Hereford 1st XV now host bottom of the table Bedworth on Saturday, with the Seconds at Bedworth, and the 3rd XV at home to Evesham.