Hereford RFC see off Malvern to record first win of season

HEREFORD finally removed the monkey from their back by recording an important 22-10 victory against local rivals and fellow strugglers Malvern.

Three first half tries gave the Wyesiders a 19 – 10 interval lead, to which they added a second half penalty to win their first game of the campaign.

“It was not our best performance of the season, there were some really good moments especially in the first half, but the second half was littered with ill-discipline from some of our players,” said Hereford head coach Scott Sturdy.

“That made it difficult to go for the fourth try and bonus point, but overall, really pleased and glad to get the monkey off our backs after eight losses.”

Within five minutes of play, new out-half Shaun Meredith made a clean break before passing to Josh Wright.

Wright off-loaded to Joe Vaughan who made ground before passing to Iwan Holder, who raced in for the first Hereford try. Holder converted to give the Wyesiders a lead of seven points.

Malvern were prompt to respond and enjoyed their best period of the match, scoring a brace of unconverted tries and taking a 7-10 lead.

Hereford regained control which they retained until the interval, adding two further tries.

From a penalty, Holder found a good touch well inside the Malvern 22, the catch and drive crossed the goal line and Ollie Hutcheson touched down.

Aaron Poynter scored the third Hereford try and a Holder conversion took the tally to 19-10.

In the second half neither side was able to put together comprehensive handling movements, possibly because of the ball made greasy by the light drizzle which fell continuously, or the three yellow cards collected by Hereford.

The only addition to the score was a long-range penalty goal slotted by Iwan Holder to take the score to 22-10.

The 1870s had a good win and completed a double by beating Malvern II 15-24.

Tries were scored by Jake Smithers, Sam Roberta, Ash Barsby and Lewis Goodridge, while Sam Roberts converted two.

The HRFC and 1870s have no league games next weekend, on the following week they play Old Halesonians and Bournville II at Wyeside.

On Wednesday evening the Lions have an additional fixture when they take on the Pilgrims at Wyeside, kick off 7pm.

On Sunday, Hereford Colts were held to a 17 all draw against Luctonians and the under-16s progressed in the cup by beating Camp Hill by 24-12.