You are here: home -> first xv -> fixtures 2005/06 -> rugby lions 05/11/2005

HEREFORD 8 - 30 RUGBY LIONS

Wyside, Saturday 5 November 2005

Powergen Intermediate Cup Round 3

HEREFORD bowed out of the Powergen Intermediate Cup at the third round stage but were far from disgraced against opponents from two levels higher up the pyramid. "Rugby were a very good, hard-running side," said Hereford coach John Watkins. "But we had seven or eight players missing so it was one of the weaker sides we could have put out and we did well. We used all of our substitutes and then got an injury so we had to play most of the second half with 14 men but the overall impression is a big plus. The tackling was tremendous."

Lions, who play in Midlands 1 at the same level as Hereford's county rivals Luctonians, took an early lead with a converted try. Colin Osborne cut the deficit with a penalty but a Rugby penalty brought the score to 10-3 at half-time.

The visitors came out strongly after the interval and extended their lead with a converted try but Hereford, although they were reduced in numbers by a yellow card, continued to play their part in an exciting game. The Wyesiders eventually gained their reward when, after some good movement, skipper and fly-half Jeremy Grisman went over for a try to bring the score back to 17-8. After this, however, the reduced strength of the Hereford side began to take its toll and Rugby added 13 points in the last 18 minutes to move through to the competition's fourth round.

On Saturday, Hereford will be back in league action when they travel to Keresley for a Midlands 3 West (South) clash.

Match Photos with thanks to Robin Davies

Hereford, who defeated Aston OE 26-13 at Wyeside in the previous round, have been given a tough home tie against Rugby Lions in the Powergen Cup. Rugby are bidding to re-claim their place in the National Leagues after relegation to Midlands One last season. The tie will be played on November 5 and is scheduled to kick-off at 2:30pm.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS:

None available