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| FIRST XV MATCH REPORTS - 2007/08 | ||
| SATURDAY 11 MAY 2008 - HEREFORD 3 - 20 LUCTONIANS | ||
| Match report to follow. | ||
| SATURDAY 3 MAY 2008 - HEREFORD 28 - 10 DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD | ||
| Match report to follow. | ||
| SATURDAY 26 APRIL 2008 - HEREFORD 13 - 43 HINCKLEY | ||
| Match report to follow. | ||
| SATURDAY 19 APRIL 2008 - BROMSGROVE 10 - 17 HEREFORD | ||
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In a highly competitive game, Hereford
beat Bromsgrove by 17 points to 10. Bromsgrove opened the scoring
after four minutes with a penalty. The home side exerted pressure for
the next ten minutes whilst Hereford took time to settle down.
Hereford eventually started to win some good possession and were
rewarded when Billy Grisman scored a try in the twenty-seventh minute
after a flowing handling movement. The conversion failed. Hereford
continued to press and after another good handling move, Billy Grisman
scored his second try which was converted by his brother Jeremy
Grisman to give them a half time lead of 12 points to 3. After the break, Hereford kept play in the Bromsgrove half. Repeated attacks were stopped by a well organised home defence. After a good forward drive, Adam Gwynne was released on the wing and went over for another good try. The conversion failed but the lead was now 17 points to 3. Bromsgrove came more into the game and were unlucky when they should have scored a try but the ball was knocked on just short of the line. They were eventually successful when, in the seventy eighth minute, they were awarded with a penalty try to make the final score 17 points to 10. Hereford now have a home tie against Hinckley in a play off to decide which team is promoted to Midlands 1. |
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| SATURDAY 12 APRIL 2008 - HEREFORD 30 - 5 STRATFORD-UPON-AVON | ||
| Match report to follow. | ||
| SATURDAY 5 APRIL 2008 - HEREFORD 15 - 6 NEWPORT | ||
| Hereford gained an excellent victory in the North Midland's Cup quarter final in beating higher placed Newport by 15 points to 6. Hereford fielded a team which comprised fourteen locally born boys - three of which were eighteen - to clinch a semi-final game against Dudley Kingswinford. Newport kicked off with the wind to their advantage but didn't make full use of it. Though they pressed hard, the Hereford defence withstood the siege, They gave away penalty in sixth minute which gave Newport the lead. On the half hour, Newport missed a penalty but just before half time they converted another penalty to give the visitors a lead of six points to nil. Ten minutes into the second half, Hereford opened their scoring. Good possession by the forwards released the backs and a long miss-out pass enabled Sean Day to score in the corner. The conversion was missed. Newport counter-attacked but were continually repulsed. Hereford gained possession from a set scrum and kick ahead was brilliantly fielded by Kieran Hallam who made a strong run down the right wing before passing inside to the support. Good handling made space for Richard Preece to score under the posts. Jeremy Grisman kicked the conversion to make the score 12 points to six. Hereford continued to dominate and were eventually awarded a penalty which was converted by Jeremy Grisman to make the final score 15 points to 6. | ||
| SATURDAY 29 MARCH 2008 - WALSALL 11 - 13 HEREFORD | ||
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In atrocious conditions, pouring rain
and howling wind, Hereford achieved a fine victory over a strong and
well-organised Walsall team. The visitors kicked off with the
advantage of the wind and took play into the Walsall half. Walsall
defended well and eventually took play up to the half way line. Both
packs were evenly matched but after twelve minutes, Hereford won a
line out and developed it into a rolling maul. The ball was released
onto the blind side and Liam Herbert drove over for the first try. The
conversion failed. Play was fairly even and the Walsall backs always looked dangerous but the Hereford tackling was outstanding. Walsall offended at a ruck and from the penalty Jeremy Grisman kicked the conversion to give Hereford an eight point lead. From the kick off, Walsall took play into the Hereford half. Hereford gave away a penalty which was converted to make the score eight points to three in favour of Hereford. Both sides tried to play open rugby despite the conditions. After a series of attacks, outside half Rob Collins put in an astute kick to the left hand corner. Sean Day followed up and with a spectacular dive, beat the defence to the touch down to score an excellent opportunistic try. The conversion failed but Hereford now led by thirteen points to three. Walsall hit back when they were awarded a penalty which was converted to make the score thirteen points to eight at half time. Walsall had the advantage of the wind in the second half and took advantage of it. For a period of time, the home side dominated play. This led to them being awarded a penalty which was converted – the score now being thirteen points to eleven. At this stage, the Hereford pack started to dominate proceedings. They were camped on the Walsall line for long periods but were unable to score. Both sides reverted to using the rolling maul as a method of attack but neither side was able to add to their score and the game finished with Hereford still attacking the Walsall line. With the final score being 13 points to 11 in Hereford’s favour. |
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| SATURDAY 8 MARCH 2008 - HEREFORD 20 - 5 WHITCHURCH | ||
| Match report to follow. | ||
| SATURDAY 1 MARCH 2008 - CHELTENHAM NORTH 14 - 22 HEREFORD | ||
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We have had some exciting games this
season but few could equal the intenseness of last Saturday’s game.
Having failed to take advantage of a very strong wind in the first half and leading by only 7-3 – a try scored by scrum half Billy Grisman, Hereford faced a very confident Cheltenham after the re-start. The home side used the wind to full advantage and soon converted two penalties to give them a led of 9-7. At this stage two Hereford players were yellow carded – one as a result of a dubious decision – but with the advantage of two extra players, Cheltenham exerted continuous pressure. This enabled them to take a quick penalty which resulted in an unconverted try to take the lead to 14-7. With the return of the two players and a couple of replacements, Hereford came back into the game. A good handling move led to Ceiron Griffiths – one of the replacements - to score an unconverted try. The score was now 14-12 in favour of Cheltenham with ten minutes to go. Hereford were now dominant and after a series of mauls and rucks, Adam Gwynne broke through and made ground before passing to Colin Osborne to put Hereford into a three point lead. From the re-start, Cheltenham mounted an attack but stout defence stopped them from scoring. Hereford gained possession on the half way line and a flowing attack, including a driving run by Richard Townsend on his debut, led to Adam Gwynne scoring the final try. The 22-14 win was a result of the excellent team spirit and enthusiasm of the whole team. |
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| FRIDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2008 - GWYNAFFDD 7 - 19 HEREFORD | ||
| With no fixture scheduled for the weekend the First XV travelled to play a friendly on Friday night. | ||
| SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2008 - HEREFORD 41 - 5 NEWBOLD | ||
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Hereford achieved the double when they
defeated Newbold 55-5 at Wyeside on Saturday. Hereford attacked from the start but were unable to make their dominance count as they failed to take advantage of scoring opportunities. The scoring was opened when Will McQuaid forced his way over the try line to score. The conversion failed as did a number of penalties which were awarded to both sides. The lead was increased when prop Ben Probert went over for the second try which Jeremy Grisman converted to give the home side a 12 point lead. The Hereford pack were in dominant form and were supplying their backs with plenty of good ball. After a good handling move, Adam Gwynne cut through the defence and fed Jeremy Grisman who scored he try. The lead was increased when Adam Gwynne completed the first half scoring when he scored a try which was converted by Kieran Hallam to make the score 24-0. In the second half, Hereford were in complete command. Tries came quite regularly and were scored by Keith Hallam, Adam Gwynne, Ollie Frost – on his debut – Shaun Day and Gareth Miles. Three were converted by Jeremy Grisman to give Hereford 55 points. Newbold scored a consolation try through Alex James to make the final score Hereford 55 Newbold 5. |
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| SATURDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2008 - BARKERS BUTTS 3 - 15 HEREFORD | ||
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Hereford encountered predictably stiff
resistance, albeit in the somewhat unfamiliar format of equally young
and determined opposition at Coventry side Barkers Butts. Barkers has
had a colts (U19) side for over 45 years which is arguably the longest
for any side in Warwickshire and their youth policy continues to serve
them well. The club has long established connections with Coventry RFC
and lists amongst it former players Neil Back and Danny Grewcock, two
who played their part in England's successful World Cup campaign in
2003. Although their form in the first half of the season was
disappointing recent weeks have shown signs of a revival and the team,
bolstered by the availability of some talented students, provided a
significant test for the Wyesiders. Hereford, with a number of positional and personnel changes, kicked off playing into bright sunlight. The opening exchanges evidenced the commitment of the Barkers forwards who competed robustly at the breakdown and were a match for the Hereford scrum in the opening 15 minutes. With honours even, the deadlock was eventually broken in the 17th minute when Barkers were penalized for a hand in the ruck, Jeremy Grisman, playing at outside half, stepped up to open the scoring 0-3. Hereford enjoyed a period of pressure, with Will McQuaid, making his first appearance of the season, prominent in a number of attacking initiatives. Despite the possession and individual endeavour, an absence of organisation and lack of cohesion resulted in Hereford's failure to impose any authority on the game. With half time approaching, scrum half Billy Grisman made a darting, incisive break from a scrum on halfway, fed inside to No8 Chris Lewins in support, who off loaded to Jeremy Grisman who spilled the ball in the tackle as he crashed over under the posts. HT 0-3 Barkers kicked off the second half and Hereford were clearly intent on raising the tempo of the game, their efforts were frustrated as the referee awarded a number of penalties against them at the breakdown. Following a general warning to captain Ceiron Griffiths, Dan Lewis was the next to offend and found himself yellow carded at a ruck. Luke Clifford announced his arrival with some aggressive drives up field the momentum from one such creating space in midfield for Giles Scott to break the gain line and feed left wing Sean Day to race in from 25 metres. 0-8 Though enjoying the majority of possession and territorial advantage Hereford remained unconvincing in attack although sound in defence throughout. In the 68th minute Barkers were to record their only success of the afternoon with a penalty from short range 3-8. Hereford concluded a workmanlike, if uninspiring away win, with a second try created in the 75th minute from a further Billy Grisman break, this time supported by Ali McColl who crossed the line for Jeremy Grisman to convert. Final Score Barkers Butts 3 Hereford 15. |
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| SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2008 - HEREFORD 13-15 MALVERN | ||
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A rueful Hereford were left to reflect,
not for the first time this season, on the consequences of failing to
control the outcome of a game they had dominated throughout the first
half. Hereford kicked off the top of the table clash with Malvern at Wyeside and were immediately on the offensive. As early as the second minute Sean Day gave the Wyesiders a dream start as he crossed for an opening unconverted try. 5-0. Hereford remained camped in their opponents' half for the opening 20 minutes as both sides struggled at times to cope with the greasy surface following the overnight frost. The Hereford forwards were winning consistently good possession from the set pieces and at the breakdown. The pressure eventually told in the 20th minute, as the determined Malvern defence conceded a penalty which was converted by Hereford centre Jeremy Grisman. 8-0. Malvern responded with their hard working back row and half backs probing around the fringes and seeking to make inroads through the midfield. Their efforts were repeatedly driven back by Hereford’s own restructured back row. A dominant Hereford pack continued to win possession at the scrum and with Richard Preece and 19 year old debutant Dan Lewis performing well in the lineout, quality possession was not an issue. In attack Hereford tried and failed to make a number of incisive breaks through midfield and an apparent lack of confidence out wide compounded the growing frustration as promising chances came and went. The Malvern defence was resolute, if a little frenetic at times. The closing minutes of the first half saw the Hereford forwards at their most abrasive, however some poor decision making ensured no further points were secured despite their apparent dominance. Half time 8-0. Malvern kicked off the second half. Inexplicably, and to Malvern’s credit, the first half mind-sets appeared to have been reversed. An opening Malvern assault on Hereford territory saw a yellow card for home team scrum half Billy Grisman. A penalty and ensuing lineout saw Malvern secure possession and employ the rolling maul to good effect as Greenwood crossed for an opening and morale boosting score 8–5. Malvern with renewed resolve and some clinical line kicking pinned Hereford back deep into their territory. Repeated attempts to break away were frustrated by ill-discipline and uncharacteristic errors which crept into Hereford's play. Malvern increasingly took advantage of loose field kicks, their three-quarters running back strongly and requiring some desperate defence on occasions. Hereford at this stage still maintained superiority at the scrimmage and fought hard to retain field position. In the 65th minute outside half Rob Collins instigated a darting break on the narrow side and from the half way line fed inside to hooker Gareth Miles who drove on and fed outside to Richard Preece who stormed 30 metres to the line for a fine try. 13-5 Malvern facing the prospect of defeat maintained both their shape and discipline. An increasingly astute kicking game was rewarded with longer periods spent deep in Hereford territory. Eventually in the 77th minute, Malvern achieved what neither side had hitherto managed, a blinding inside break in midfield, saw Malvern three-quarter Brian Watkins carve straight through the Hereford defence to touch down under the posts, Adam Dixon converting to take the score to 13-12. The final chapter, once again saw ill discipline in opposition territory punished by a long raking penalty to touch and critical field position surrendered. To compound the felony in centre field 30 metres from their own goal line, Hereford conceded a penalty for hands in the ruck. An assured Adam Dixon converted the penalty with the final action of the game. 13-15 and a victory for Malvern. The result in all probability will set Malvern on the way to the Midlands 2 West Championship. Hereford meanwhile, must reflect on an opportunity surrendered, before raising their sights once again and acknowledging that, fortunately, responsibility for securing promotion to Midlands 1 still rests within their own hands. |
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| SATURDAY 26 JANUARY 2008 - LICHFIELD 8 - 24 HEREFORD | ||
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Hereford, following their recent weather
imposed break, travelled to Lichfield and opened with a strong wind at
their backs, on an immaculate “Cooke Fields” pitch. The early
exchanges saw Hereford emerge from ten minutes of self imposed initial
pressure, with their line intact, as a result of some solid and
committed defence. On fourteen minutes Hereford opened their account
when robust flanker Matt Pritchard crossed for an opening try wide on
the left following their first sustained period of attack. Jeremy
Grisman added the conversion with a fine kick from distance. 0-7. Hereford responded to their opening score, by raising their game. A period of increased tempo inspired the visitors, who were endeavouring to shake off three weeks of inactivity. In the back row, flankers Liam Herbert and Matt Pritchard were rampant, repeatedly turning defence into attack as they drove back the home midfield, delivering some enormous tackles. Lock Richard Preece was particularly prominent at the subsequent breakdowns winning quality turnover possession. Lichfield failed to convert a penalty in the seventeenth minute. Immediately they were on the back foot, as their fullback fielded a towering kick and, appearing to have ample time, shaped to kick for touch. Hereford left winger Gary Preece closed in at speed and successfully charged down his kick. The recycled possession was moved quickly along the entire Hereford backline to right wing Adam Gwynne who cut back inside at pace heading diagonally for the posts, held up a yard short, the irrepressible Richard Preece was there in support to drive over for the try. Jeremy Grisman added the conversion 0-14. Paradoxically Hereford now enjoyed their most sustained period of dominance in the match without further reward. In the ten minutes leading up to half time and conscious that they were to turnaround to face a significant wind, the frustration mounted, as several try scoring opportunities went begging. Pritchard was adjudged to have delivered a final try scoring pass as forward and the hard working, unsung Ali McColl at no.8 was held up metres short of the line. At half time with a score 0-14 there was considerable concern that the squandered chances might yet feature in the games final outcome. Lichfield backed by the strong wind, kicked off the second half and camped themselves deep in Hereford territory. Hereford conceded a poorly executed lineout and the resulting driven maul saw Lichfield cross for an initial and morale boosting opening score. 5-14. Hereford lacked the fluency for which they a striving. Lichfield rallied to the cause and mounted concerted efforts, thwarted on separate occasions, by crucial tackles from scrumhalf Grisman and Herbert. In the sixty-second minute Lichfield converted a penalty awarded for an offside offence and with the score at 8-14 the game was once again in the balance. Despite frustrations, Hereford displayed elements of their potential in patches. Short side breaks by Billy Grisman, alternating, darting probing attacks and crunching tackles by Liam Herbert, who was working tirelessly for the cause. On the sixty fifth minute Sean Day, on as replacement for the injured Gary Preece, collected a loose kick for touch, broke an initial tackle and rounded a second defender to score Herefords third try. 8-19. Collectively Hereford's will and determination was apparent throughout and they saved their best to close out the match. Ben Probert capped another imposing performance on the tighthead, when stealing possession at the tail of a lineout within his own 22metre line. He surged fully 30 metres up field, drove into contact supported by Ben Hilstead and Richard Preece, quick possession was further taken on by Herbert before passing quickly through the hands to Sean Day who broke through two despairing tackles in midfield, offloaded to Kieran Hallam, who set Adam Gwynne away to round off a 70 metre move by scoring on the wide right. Final Score: Lichfield RFC 8pts - Hereford RFC 24pts |
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| SATURDAY 5 JANUARY 2008 - HEREFORD 22 - 0 SOLIHULL | ||
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Hereford faced an uncompromising pack
when they played Solihull at Wyeside on Saturday. Solihull kicked off
and tested the Hereford pack immediately. The home pack rose to the
challenge and won a number of penalties and turn overs to take play
into the visitors half. After a series of attacking mauls, Solihull
conceded a penalty which was converted by Jeremy Grisman to give
Hereford a three point lead. Hereford then suffered a set back when Ali McColl suffered a severe injury which necessitated hospital treatment. Hereford continued to attack and after a flowing move, Adam Gwynne broke through and fed fellow winger Gary Preece to score in the corner. The conversion failed but Hereford now led by eight points to nil. Solihull then reverted to their main tactic by attempting to make ground by using the rolling maul. This was partially successful as Hereford were confined to their own 22 for about fifteen minutes. Hereford withstood the siege and the half time whistle blew with the home team’s defence holding firm. The Hereford pack dominated the game from the re-start. Play was taken into the Solihull half and from a kick ahead, Adam Gwynne used his speed to tackle the defender. The Hereford pack won possession and after driving forward, fed Liam Herbert to score a good try which was converted by Jeremy Grisman to increase the lead to fifteen points. Billy Grisman came on as a replacement scrum half. This encouraged Hereford in their attacking mode which eventually led to Gary Preece beating half the Solihull defence to go over for the last try of the match which was converted by Jeremy Grisman to give the Wyesiders an excellent win by 22 points to nil. |
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| SATURDAY 15 DECEMBER 2007 - HEREFORD 18 - 5 BURTON | ||
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It was a hard fought game when Hereford
entertained Burton at Wyeside on Saturday. Burton kicked off and
tested the home defence. The home side coped with the attacks and
eventually took play into the Burton half. A good handling move by the
Hereford three-quarters released Ceiron Griffiths and using his
strength and speed scored a try in the corner. From the restart,
Burton took play into the Hereford half. Stout Hereford defence led to
Burton being penalised. The kick missed touch and was fielded by
Burton whose pack set up a driving maul up the touch line. An astute
kick into the box by scrum half Edwards enabled wing three-quarter Tom
Bantram to score in the corner making the score five all. Hereford
continued to attack and Burton gave away another penalty which was
converted by Dean Powell to give Hereford an 8 points to 5 interval
lead. Half way through the second half, Hereford increased their lead when Burton were again penalised for off-side and Jeremy Grisman converted to make the score 11 – 5. The Hereford pack were dominating the game and were rewarded when Adam Gwynne scored an excellent try. From a Burton cross kick, he adroitly picked up the rolling ball in the face of two opposition players converging on him. A neat side-step enabled him to beat them and using his speed and elusive running, rounded the defence to score under the posts. The conversion by Jeremy Grisman took the final score to 18 points to 5 in Hereford’s favour. |
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| SATURDAY 1 DECEMBER 2007 - STRATFORD-UPON-AVON 14 - 12 HEREFORD | ||
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A much changed Hereford team from that
which had beaten Bromsgrove so impressively the previous week,
travelled to play Stratford on Saturday. With a strong wind in their
favour, Stratford set up a series of attacks. They were awarded two
penalties in the Hereford half but both conversion attempts failed.
From a set scrum on the Clubhouse side of the pitch, Stratford
attacked the blind side which resulted in winger Chris Roberts scoring
in the corner. The try was converted by Chris Brain to give the home
side a seven points interval lead. In the second half, with the wind at their backs, the Hereford pack started to dominate. A series of attacks were only stopped by Stratford conceding penalties. Dean Powell kicked three to give Hereford 9–7 points lead. Hereford were awarded a touch line penalty which was taken by Morgan Goodall, making his first team debut. He converted the long range penalty with an excellent kick. Hereford continued to exert pressure and were unfortunate not to score. With minutes left, the home side were awarded a penalty which they kicked into the Hereford five metre area. The line-out was won and from a rolling maul, Flo Vailin, their French lock, went over for a try which was converted by Simon Brain to give Stratford a last gasp win by 14 points to 12. |
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| SATURDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2007 - HEREFORD 61 - 0 BROMSGROVE | ||
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From the kick off, Bromsgrove attacked
very determinedly. During the first ten minutes, the Hereford defence
was thoroughly tested. Winning an important line-out in their five
metre area enabled Dean Powell to put in a long touch kick to relieve
pressure. In their first attack, Hereford moved the ball quickly into
the visitors half and Bromsgrove were penalised for off-side in a ruck.
The penalty was converted by Dean Powell. After sixteen minutes,
Bromsgrove were again penalised and once more, Dean Powell converted
to give Hereford a six point lead. From the kick-off, Hereford gained
possession and after a series of moves Liam Herbert burst through the
defence and sprinted forty yards to score his first try for the Club.
The try was not converted. A further try was scored by Rob Collins
which was converted before Dean Powell added another penalty to give
Hereford a half time lead of eighteen points. In the second half, tries came at regular intervals as Hereford dominated all phases of play. Further tries were scored by Richard Mayson, Ceiron Griffiths, Matt. Pritchard, Ben Hillstead, Nicky Lloyd, Giles Scott and Rob Collins. Dean Powell converted four of the tries to give Hereford a winning score of 61 points to 0. |
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| SATURDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2007 - BURTON 27 - 7 HEREFORD | ||
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Burton proved to be a lively and
well-drilled team when they beat Hereford by 27 points to 7 in their
Midlands Two West league match on Saturday. Hereford were forced to
make a number of changes from the previous week’s game due to injuries
and player unavailability. Burton played with the strong wind behind
them and took full advantage of the conditions. Three tries were
scored in the first fifteen minutes to give the home side a lead of 17
points. Hereford settled down and their forwards came more into the
game and play was fairly even. However, Hereford were having
difficulty in dealing with Burton’s long kicks into their twenty two
metre area and it resulted in Burton scoring a good try which was
converted to give them a half time lead of 24 points to nil. In the second half, the Hereford forwards won sufficient ball but the Burton defence continually stopped their three-quarters getting into their stride. Hereford were awarded a number of penalties for off-side by the home team's backs but none were in kicking distance of the posts. Hereford did not use the wind as effectively as Burton and did not create scoring situations. A speculative kick ahead by Burton led to a penalty in the Hereford half which was duly converted by full back G. Sutton. Hereford continued to play attacking rugby and eventually skipper Ceiron Griffiths scored a consolation try which was converted by Dean Powell to make the final score 27 points to 7 in favour of a good Burton side. |
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| SATURDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2007 - SOLIHULL 12 - 20 HEREFORD | ||
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HEREFORD travelled to Solihull on
Saturday and from the start were immediately put under pressure. The
huge home pack soon moved the game into the Hereford half. After a
series of rolling mauls, the home side went into the lead. They scored
a try and a goal to give them a twelve point lead. After about twenty
minutes, the Hereford pack settled down and started to get the better
of their opponents. Play was taken into the Solihull half and an
attempted kick ahead was charged down by flanker Matt Pritchard. He
quickly collected the ball and ran in to score a try. The try was
converted by Dean Powell to make the score 12 points to 7. Hereford
were winning some good ball and following an expansive period of play,
the ball was transferred to Ben Hillstead, who beating a couple of
defenders, barged his way over for the second try which was not
converted. The half time score was 12 points all. Hereford continued to play fast and open rugby which the Solihull defence was finding it difficult to cope with. A penalty was given away which was converted by Dean Powell to give Hereford the lead for the first time. At this stage, an injury to scrum half Billy Grisman forced him to leave the field. The more mobile Hereford pack was dominating the game and from a truck, the ball was swept up field. Gareth Miles was stopped just short of the line but Hereford kept the ball alive allowing Andy Potter to score an excellent try to give the visitors a sinning score of 20 points to 12. |
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| SATURDAY 27 OCTOBER 2007 - MALVERN 10 - 26 HEREFORD | ||
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In contrast to the previous week, Hereford produced an extremely
disciplined performance when beating league leaders Malvern on their
own ground. Malvern used their big pack to attack but outstanding and
courageous tackling kept them at bay. Malvern opened the scoring with
a drop goal but shortly afterwards this was cancelled out when Rob
Collins levelled with a well taken drop goal. Malvern continued to
attack throughout the half and eventually were rewarded when a try was
scored under the posts which was converted to give Malvern a lead of
ten points to three. |
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| SATURDAY 20 OCTOBER 2007 - HEREFORD 17 - 19 LICHFIELD | ||
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Hereford managed to lose to Lichfield on
Saturday when they entertained them at Wyeside. Hereford dominated the
for most of the game but a combination of bad decision making and
ill-discipline enabled the visitors to escape with a win. Hereford attacked from the start and after five minutes Billy Grisman crossed for the opening try which was converted by his brother, Jeremy. The Hereford pack put their opponents under pressure and as a result a penalty was awarded and Jeremy Grisman converted to give Hereford a ten point lead. Lichfield moved into the home side’s half for the first time and they too were awarded a penalty which was converted by Russell Clarke. Hereford were well in control and Adam Gwynne gathered the ball on Lichfield’s ten yard line. He beat a number of defenders and scored an excellent try which was again converted by Jeremy Grisman to give Hereford a seventeen points to three half time lead. Hereford continued to attack in the second half but were unable to turn possession into points. They missed two tries through poor passing and indecision with the line at their mercy. Penalties were also missed. Lichfield, encouraged by these failures, came more into the game. Russell Clarke converted a penalty and then dropped a goal to make it 17 – 9. On seventy-three minutes, Gareth Miles was yellow carded. From the resulting penalty, Clarke kicked the three points. Two minutes later, following a charge down, the Lichfield winger followed up to score a try. With the score 17 points all, Clarke kicked the conversion to give Litchfield a win by 19 points to 17. |
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| SATURDAY 13 OCTOBER 2007 - HEREFORD 8 - 33 DERBY | ||
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Hereford lost only their second home
match in two seasons when they lost by 33 points to 8 in the E.D.F.
Intermediate Cup against Derby on Saturday at Wyeside. Derby opened the score when Brett Beckham kicked a penalty but within minutes Jeremy Grisman equalized when he also converted a penalty. Hereford were more than equal to the task and part way through the half scored a well worked try by Matthew Pritchard which was not converted. Beckham scored another three points from a penalty to give Hereford a half time lead of 8 points to 6. Derby scored at regular intervals in the second half. Owen West scored an unconverted try. He scored a second try after Hereford missed some tackles which was followed by a try from hooker Dave Hersey converted by Beckham. Mike Kent scored the final try which was again converted by Beckham to give Derby a well deserved victory by 33 points to 8.. |
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| SATURDAY 6 OCTOBER 2007 - HEREFORD 49 - 15 BARKERS BUTTS | ||
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Hereford Rugby Club were quick off the
mark scoring two tries in the opening five minutes against Coventry
side Barkers Butts at Wyeside on Saturday. Barkers Butts with an
enviable reputation for producing quality players including recent
England Internationals Danny Grewcock and Neil Back travelled to
Hereford and received no respite all afternoon from a Hereford side
who produced a competent all round performance in recording a 49-15
victory. The opening score came in the third minute with wing Adam Gwynne finishing of a sweeping attack to score in the corner. In the fifth minute a fine free flowing attack, launched within their own half, involving multiple inter-passing culminated in a try, and conversion, for centre Jeremy Grisman bringing the score to 12-0. Both teams sparred for the following twenty minutes, Barkers Butts failing with a penalty awarded against Hereford for holding on in the tackle, whilst Jeremy Grisman converted a penalty awarded to Hereford moving the score on to 15-0. Barkers Butts were mounting a concerted comeback going into the final ten minutes of the first half and engineered a three on one attacking move only to be thwarted by an outstanding try saving tackle by Gary Preece. Hereford conceded two further kickable penalties neither of which was converted. Hereford were somewhat fortunate to survive this period of pressure and indeed added to their score with Jeremy Grisman kicking his second penalty to take the score to 18-0. In first half extra time yet another Barkers Butts determined thrust was brought to a halt by a saving tackle from mobile tight head prop Ben Probert. Deep into first half stoppage time a determined narrow side move saw Barkers Butts right wing M. Knight open their account with an unconverted try in the corner producing a score of 18-5 at half-time. At half-time coach Mike Stubbs introduced the first of three replacements, the versatile young front row forward Harry Jenkins giving way at loose head prop to Ben Hilstead. It was Hilstead who opened the scoring in the second half with a try converted by Grisman in the 45 minute to take the score to 25-5. Hereford were guilty of a lapses in concentration and discipline and Barkers Butts needed no second invitation to exploit any lowering of defences. They continued to play an expansive game and were duly rewarded in the fiftieth minute with their second unconverted try, 25-10. Hereford's second substitution saw Neil Clarke come into the second row partnering Jamie Bullock, with the impressive Richard Preece dropping back to No 8 replacing 19 year old Andrew Potter who had yet another encouraging outing in first team colours. Barkers Butts over-enthusiasm saw G. Collins yellow carded for a high tackle. Ensuing Hereford pressure resulted in an impressive driving maul with blind side flanker Ali McColl in the forefront setting up a touchdown for Neil Clarke. 30-10. Hereford found stiffened resolve, with the experienced players contributing significantly, Gareth Miles technically so sound and robust, driving centre Ceiron Griffiths, and fine distribution from centre Jeremy Grisman all influential. Quick ball fed from half backs Billy Grisman & Dean Powell combined with incisive running by fullback Keiran Hallam raised the tempo of the game and delighted an appreciative crowd already, by now, buoyed by news of an England World Cup quarter-final victory over Australia. A fine break and carry by an inspired Matt Pritchard was backed up by Adam Gwynne on the hour to score a fifth try making the score 35-10. Ceiron Griffiths capped a fine Captain's display claiming Hereford's sixth try on sixty five minutes, converted by Jeremy Grisman, before making way for Richard Rees. Battling Barkers Butts hit back with their final contribution of the day a well worked move from an enterprising three quarter line resulting in a try from centre T. Waters 42-15. Meanwhile a fitter, more mobile and dominant Hereford pack sealed victory with a Penalty Try awarded in their favour, conceded in the face of unrelenting pressure, and converted by Jeremy Grisman. Final score 49-15. |
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| SATURDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2007 - NEWBOLD 18 - 48 HEREFORD | ||
| Match report to follow. | ||
| SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2007 - HEREFORD 15 - 11 CHELTENHAM NORTH | ||
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A very confident Cheltenham North took
on Hereford at Wyeside on Saturday, in the previous two games they had
amassed 89 points whereas Hereford had scored only 18! Hereford kicked
off and took play into the Cheltenham 22. Pressure by the home side
resulted in Hereford being awarded a penalty which was converted by
Dean Powell. Play was fairly even until Hereford, in turn, were
penalised and the penalty was converted by S. Pollock to make the
score 3 all. Cheltenham started to use their pack more effectively and
used their possession to take play into the Hereford half with some
good line kicking. At this stage Andrew Johnson was injured and was
replaced by Andrew Potter. From a close range line-out, the visitors
set up a rolling maul for their full back, S. Pollock to score a try.
The conversion was missed but it gave Cheltenham a half time lead of
eight points to three. Cheltenham remained in control in the early part of the second half. Hereford replaced prop Harry Jenkins with Ben Hillstead after 50 minutes. Part way through the half, Cheltenham’s lead was increased when Pollock kicked a penalty to increase the lead to 11 points to 3. At this stage it seemed that the game was lost as far as Hereford was concerned but the penalty reverse seemed to galvanise them. They started to win more set piece possession and their backs became more expansive. After 59 minutes, a good three quarter move enabled Jeremy Grisman to give a scoring pass to his brother, Billy, who outpaced the defence to score a try. The conversion was missed but Cheltenham still led by 11 points to 8. Hereford then had to re-organise their back line when Dean Powell went off injured. He was replaced by Richard Rees with Jeremy Grisman going to outside-half. Hereford were now in control and continued to press their attacks. Ten minutes before full time, Jeremy Grisman made a break, grubber kicked through and followed up to score the winning try. He converted his own try to give Hereford a well-deserved victory by 15 points to 11. |
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| SATURDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2007 - WHITCHURCH 13 - 7 HEREFORD | ||
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Hereford visited Whitchurch on Saturday
and after leading by seven points to five for most of the game,
eventually lost by 13 points to 7. Whitchurch opened strongly using their big pack to good effect. Hereford defended strongly but after about twenty minutes were beginning to win more than their fair share of the ball. Persistent pressure caused the home side to give away a number of penalties but Hereford decided to kick to touch in the hope of winning line-out ball in order to attack. Though the tactic failed, Hereford continued to attack and eventually after a good three-quarter move, Ceiron Griffiths scored a try under the posts. The conversion by Colin Osborne was successful. Whitchurch responded and from a rolling maul scored a try which was not converted. After the break, Hereford continued to mount numerous attacks but stout tackling by the Whitchurch backs kept Hereford out. The visitors were awarded a penalty in front of goal but the kick went wide. Though Hereford continued to have the better of play, they could not break down the home defence. Hereford gave away a number of penalties to enable Whitchurch to take play into the Hereford half. They kicked a penalty to give them the lead for the first time. Whitchurch then started to use their pack more effectively and from a line-out, they again set up a rolling maul to enable them to score another try in the last minute. This score gave Whitchurch their win by 13 points to 7. |
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| SATURDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2007 - HEREFORD 11 - 7 WALSALL | ||
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In a well contested match, in
which Hereford were generally in control, the home side won by a try and two
penalty goals to a converted try to give them an 11 points to 7 victory. In the opening stages, play was generally even with the Hereford backs trying to move the ball. Walsall were awarded two penalty kicks which failed. Hereford were equally unsuccessful with their penalty attempts. Eventually a well placed kick by Dean Powell took play well into the Walsall twenty-two metre area. Walsall managed to keep out the Hereford forwards on this occasion but after twenty-six minutes, quick ball and a well worked move led to Ceiron Griffiths crossing for a try. The conversion failed. After half time, Hereford continued to exert pressure and were awarded a penalty which was converted by Colin Osborne to increase the lead. Hereford were awarded a further penalty after 59 minutes which was again converted by Osborne to give Hereford a 11 point lead. When Hereford centre Griffiths was sin-binned after 72 minutes, Walsall started to take control. After a period of intense pressure, Walsall prop forward R Towe forced his way over in the corner to score a try which he converted. Walsall continued to press hard but the Hereford defence was resolute and held out to give Hereford a deserved victory by 11 points to 7. |
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