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LEDBURY  15 - 18  HEREFORD

Ledbury. Saturday 4 December 2004

Merit League Division 1
 
An early kick-off in this second team game at Ledbury meant the players were able to attend the main event at Hereford later in the afternoon but it didn't appear to suit the visitors who, after they had missed an early penalty opportunity, found themselves seven points down to a converted try in the seventh minute. Ledbury missed a penalty of their own before scrumhalf Colin Osborne converted his opportunity after fifteen minutes to cut the deficit to four points.

The hosts were using the sloping pitch to their advantage and after eighteen minutes a powerful forward drive led to another try to stretch the lead to nine points but after another penalty attempt was missed Hereford mounted an attack of their own which ended when 17 year old lock Jack Smith forced his way over for a try from the base of a ruck. The conversion attempt was wide of the mark leaving the visitors trailing by four points as the interval arrived.

Five minutes into the second period the Hereford took the lead for the first time when Osborne burrowed over for a try from close range but six minutes later Ledbury were back in front with a penalty to lead 15 - 13.

The Ledbury pack worked tirelessly to deny the talented Hereford backs any quality ball but with eight minutes remaining they turned down the opportunity of a penalty to kick to touch only for another infringement to give them a second chance but the kick drifted wide and Hereford were able to clear their lines.

With time running out Hereford at last won some clean ball and an electrifying break by flyhalf Andy Tanner in the fortieth minute put wing Adam Knight in for a try and the lead changed hands again.

Ledbury stormed back in injury time and were twice held up over Hereford's line but heroic defence, particularly from Hereford's man of the match Mark Eynon, denied the hosts the vital score and the visitors held out for an 18 - 15 victory.