OLD LEAMINGTONIANS  10 - 22  HEREFORD

Leamington Spa, Saturday 1 October 2005

Powergen Midlands 3 West (South)

The visitors were quickly in their stride and imposed their authority on the set scrums and lineouts. In the 10th minute, fly-half Tim Harvey took advantage of swift lineout ball to break through the middle. When challenged, he linked with skipper Jeremy Grisman, who, although held up just short of the line, was driven over in the corner for an unconverted opening try.

Continuing to dominate possession Hereford increased their lead in the 16th minute with a superbly executed try. Lock Jamie Bullock secured good lineout ball and it was swiftly moved across the back line. When halted, Hereford switched the play and swift, accurate passing put fullback Gary Preece over in the corner, the conversion attempt again drifting wide in the blustery wind.

With their tails up, Hereford continued to play resourceful rugby and another combined move between backs and forwards saw right winger Will McQuaid collect to beat four defenders in a dazzling 40-metre run for a try under the posts, Grisman adding the conversion.

Hereford continued to enjoy good possession immediately after the break but started to make too many basic mistakes. Their play became ragged and Leamingtonians took advantage when Hereford lost possession in mid-field to break and reduce the arrears with an unconverted try.

Still trying to play open rugby, Hereford restored their healthy interval lead when hooker Wilf Rees collected possession after Leamington dropped the ball trying to run the ball out of defence and jinked past the home fullback for another unconverted try.

Both sides were guilty of unforced errors in a very mediocre finish, but the hosts did manage to bring some respectability to the scoreline with a late try.