Sat 18 Nov 2023
Hereford RFC 15 – 20 Stratford upon Avon RFC
18th November 2023
Stratford make it 3 from 3!
Stratford were coming off two big wins and were looking to consolidate their form with a challenging win away. Hereford have long been a foe for Stratford with many tight games and epic encounters. Going into the game the last 25 meetings between the two sides Hereford lead the head-to-head 13 wins to 12.
The challenge Stratford knew was coming began right away, Hereford dominated possession and territory in the early exchanges. Persistent pressure led to Stratford conceding one of only two penalties they conceded in the first half providing an opportunity for Hereford to put one between the posts and go 3-0 up.
Despite Hereford continuing to dominate possession, Stratford defended with heat and passion and with their first 22 entry came a penalty from centre Dan Whitby for infringement at the maul to even the score at 3-3. Despite strong defensive work from Stratford, eventually Hereford were able to break through with a neat kick from their outside half, making the score 8-3. Despite Stratford moving through their phases nicely, the tough conditions made it difficult to make serious inroads, thus the score remained unchanged at the half.
The second half saw Stratford put in one of their best performances of the season so far dominating large swathes of possession and territory throughout. The forwards gained an edge early in the second half and a strong maul finished by man of the match Zac Amond brought the score level at 8-8. The black and whites continued to apply pressure, leading to the home team going down to 14 men. Nathan Geekie used this man advantage to crash over fed the ball from a pick from the base of the scrum by No 8 Jack Young and make the score 8-15.
Hereford searched for a way to level the scores and attacked in Stratford’s 22 but strong goal line defence ended with a Charlie Powell interception, leaving would be defenders in his wake to run the length of the pitch and take the game out of Hereford’s reach at 8-20. They managed to nab a try in the last minute which meant the game finished 20-15.
This was a great result on their travels for the Pearcecroft men who have now climbed to 8th in Midlands (South) Regional 2 with a game in hand on most of the rest of the league. A combined Stratford RFC 2nd XV and Shottery RFC team took on Leamington 2nd XV winning 5-10 with a try from George Fox and a conversion and a penalty from the boot of Chris Calthorpe sealing the win.
Next weekend the 1st XV travel to Malvern to play their game in hand, while the 2nd XV face league leaders Daventry at home. Stratford RFC have 3 men’s teams that train at Pearcecroft on Loxley Road on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30 and there is a very successful ladies touch rugby section. Both teams are always recruiting and would be delighted to welcome new players, so if you are interested, please do get in touch.
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