HEREFORD RFC players are trying to eliminate unforced errors and reduce their penalty count ahead of their league opener.

 

The Wyesiders host Malvern on the opening day of the rugby season on September 2 before heading to Berkswell & Balsall a week later.

 

Hereford fans will have the chance to catch their side in home action the next two weekends with the visits of Silhillians (September 16) and Worcester (September 23).

 

The players have been working hard on their pre-season training at Wyeside on Tuesdays and Thursdays since early July.

 

Two games with Whitchurch and Drybrook, both away from home and notoriously difficult places to play rugby have given the boys some good workouts ahead of their new campaign.

 

Head coach, Scott Sturdy said: “From our perspective we can take several positives from the two games. We have been able to give 35 different players game time in these fixtures, very helpful, particularly in adjusting to the new tackle laws. The set pieces look good, solid scrums and the lineouts mostly working pretty well.

 

“The areas where we see the need to improve are the elimination of unforced errors mainly around some catch, pass and off-loads. These we shall look to improve before our first league game in three weeks’ time. There have been significant law changes around the tackle and players have to work hard to meet the new requirements. We gave away lots of penalties at Whitchurch, were much better at Drybrook, but we made too many system errors and missed too many tackles against a very good Drybrook side, especially later on in the game. We’ve had some good workouts and identified key areas to work on and develop. We have just one more pre-season game, an internal game at Wyeside on Friday. August 24, kick-off 6.45pm."

Coming through from the Colts to the senior squad are Danny Robson, Malachi Stuffins and Ben Hyde.

The Wyesiders also welcome the return of Aaron Pointer, a former Colt who broke his leg and hasn’t played any rugby for three years. Also Matt Hallett returns after leaving Hereford after the 2012/13 season, to play elsewhere.

“It’s grand to see players returning to the club bringing with them a wealth of experience,” added Sturdy.

Stephan Dyers is a newcomer to the club, who has moved to Hereford from South Africa.

Meanwhile, the Hereford 1870s team start their season with a trip to King Norton on September 2. They are then at Wyeside to face Old Yardleians the following week.

Two away games at Pershore and Leamington seconds follow and then the visit of Worcester seconds on September 30.